Cushion
'kʊʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsA soft bag filled with soft material that is used for comfort or support.
'kʊʃən
A soft pad used for sitting, leaning, or kneeling.
I leaned back against the cushions and closed my eyes.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, fluffy pillow that you can sit on or lean against. That's a cushion! Like when you're watching TV and put cushions behind your back for support.
👶 For kids: A soft, squishy thing you can sit on to make it comfy.
More Examples
The baby was placed safely on a soft cushion.
She bought new cushions for the outdoor furniture.
How It's Used
"She arranged the cushions on the sofa."
"The chair had a comfortable seat cushion."
To protect or reduce the negative effect of something.
'kʊʃən
To absorb the shock or impact of something.
The government implemented policies to cushion the economic blow.
💡 Simply: To make something less harsh or difficult, like when you use a pillow to catch a falling toy. For example, savings can cushion the blow of losing your job.
👶 For kids: To make something less hard or less bad.
More Examples
Her savings cushioned her from financial hardship.
The air bags in the car cushion the impact of a crash.
How It's Used
"The company needed to cushion the impact of the economic downturn."
"A savings account can cushion the impact of unexpected expenses."
Idioms & expressions
Cushion the blow
To make something less painful or difficult to deal with.
"The company offered severance packages to cushion the blow of layoffs."
From Old French 'couss(in)', from Latin 'culcita' meaning 'mattress' or 'pillow'.
The word 'cushion' has been used since the 13th century, evolving from a simple pad for sitting to a verb related to lessening impact.
Memory tip
Think of a comfy pillow for your bottom or back.
Word Origin
"couss(in) (pillow)"