1 comfort | Definition of comfort

comfort

verb
com·​fort | \ ˈkÉ™m(p)-fÉ™rt How to pronounce comfort (audio) \
comforted; comforting; comforts

Definition of comfort

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to give strength and hope to : cheer comforted by the knowledge that the program will be fully funded
2 : to ease the grief or trouble of : console The mother comforted her crying child. The bereaved families of the victims were comforted by friends.

comfort

noun

Definition of comfort (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : strengthening aid:
a : assistance, support accused of giving aid and comfort to the enemy
b : consolation in time of trouble or worry : solace He turned to her for comfort when he lost his job.
2a : a feeling of relief or encouragement It's a comfort to know that I can rely on you for help.
b : contented well-being a life of ease and comfort
3 : a satisfying or enjoyable experience Seeing her son again after so many years was a great comfort.
4 : one that gives or brings comfort all the comforts of home Her grandchildren were always a great comfort to her.

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from comfort

Verb

comfortingly \ ˈkÉ™m(p)-​fÉ™r-​tiÅ‹-​lÄ“ How to pronounce comfortingly (audio) \ adverb

Noun

comfortless \ ˈkÉ™m(p)-​fÉ™rt-​lÉ™s How to pronounce comfortless (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for comfort

Synonyms: Verb

assure, cheer, console, reassure, solace, soothe

Synonyms: Noun

cheer, consolation, relief, solace

Antonyms: Verb

distress, torment, torture, trouble

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of comfort in a Sentence

Verb

Our family was comforted by the outpouring of support from the community. We can comfort ourselves with the thought that the worst is over.

Noun

These boots provide warmth and comfort in the coldest temperatures. The car's seats are designed for comfort. The suites combine comfort with convenience. The drug gave some comfort to the patient. I found a cozy chair where I could read in comfort. He turned to her for comfort and support when he lost his job. They were great comforts to each other during that difficult time.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The lack of communication is something the families interviewed by the Boston Globe mention as well; they were not told about the children’s trauma, different medical issues, or even things that might comfort them. Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, "How about a Foster-Care Revolution?," 9 Sep. 2019 The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers that helped support and comfort him the last few years and will be celebrating his life privately. courant.com, "Kenneth H. Summerer," 7 Sep. 2019 Friends of Lee, many of them former San Francisco State classmates, have been gathering nightly to share news and comfort each other, Lacanilao said. Michael Cabanatuan, SFChronicle.com, "San Francisco activist shot in Philippines, friends accuse Duterte’s government forces," 8 Aug. 2019 Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin. Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "20+ Sister Quotes to Dedicate to Your Partner in Crime," 11 Apr. 2019 After @serenawilliams had to retire from her @rogerscup match today because of an injury, @biancaandreescu_ came to comfort her. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, "Serena Williams and Her Opponent Uplift Each Other with a Post-Match Hug," 12 Aug. 2019 The 60-year-old, who declined to give her name, planned to sleep in her granddaughter’s bedroom that night to comfort her should any night terrors arise. Alice Yin, chicagotribune.com, "Shooting wounds 4 in Marquette Park, leaving neighbors to fear ‘this is not the end of it'," 10 Aug. 2019 Boosalis said the first lady embraced her, and the president said a few words to comfort her. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Trump arrives in El Paso after staying largely out of public view in Dayton," 7 Aug. 2019 On Saturday night, Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo sought out assistant line coach Robert Rodriguez to comfort him. Chris Tomasson, Twin Cities, "Vikings’ Robert Rodriguez, Ifeadi Odenigbo saddened by shootings back home in El Paso, Dayton," 6 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

To share a memory or words of comfort with Jackie's family, please visit us online at www.duksa.net. courant.com, "Jadwiga Szymanska," 10 Sep. 2019 Williams also has a great level of comfort in the ASU system. Michelle Gardner, azcentral, "ASU defensive back Kobe Williams still proving his doubters wrong," 9 Sep. 2019 In the documentary, Galang talks about prayer being her primary source of comfort. Aisha Salaudeen And Stephanie Busari, CNN, "Documentary on missing Chibok schoolgirls wins at Venice Film Festival," 8 Sep. 2019 Riding presents a superbly balanced feel at both low and higher speeds, but the optimal speed for the ultimate level of comfort is in the 60- to 70-mph realm. Arv Voss, Houston Chronicle, "BMW C evolution: Maxi-scooter with non-liquid juice," 7 Sep. 2019 At the vigil Friday night, chaplains and an official from Santa Barbara County’s Department of Behavioral Wellness spoke about the need to heal after the tragedy and how the sea can be a source of comfort. Los Angeles Times, "Authorities are still searching for the final victim of the California boat fire that killed 34," 7 Sep. 2019 Through rigorous training at Forsyth, interns have deepened their sense of comfort — and belonging — in STEM. Alison Kuznitz, BostonGlobe.com, "Science in their DNA: Internship at Harvard affiliate inspires high school students," 21 Aug. 2019 The most striking thing to me was the closeness his fans felt to him—a genuine sense of friendship and communion, a sense of comfort with his intimate self. David Canfield, EW.com, "Get a glimpse into Anthony Bourdain’s legacy in The Last Interview exclusive book excerpt," 19 Aug. 2019 Which means recent statements by Trump administration officials that the US government can safeguard the 2020 presidential election from foreign meddling shouldn’t be much of a comfort. Alex Ward, Vox, "Microsoft says it notified nearly 10,000 customers that they were cyberattack victims," 17 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'comfort.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of comfort

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for comfort

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French cunforter, comforter, from Late Latin confortare to strengthen greatly, from Latin com- + fortis strong

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for comfort

comfort

verb

English Language Learners Definition of comfort

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to cause (someone) to feel less worried, upset, frightened, etc. : to give comfort to (someone)