comfort

1 of 2

verb

com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

comforted; comforting; comforts

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.

comfortingly

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

comfort

2 of 2

noun

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.

2

a

: 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.

comfortless

ˈkəm(p)-fərt-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• assure
• cheer
• console
• reassure
• solace
• soothe

Noun

• cheer
• consolation
• relief
• solace

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Those working at The Mayhew rushed to the cat's side, picking him up and comforting him. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons Warm homemade soup can be comforting. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

In terms of industry trends, casual wear has continued to dominate the men’s fashion market, with many consumers shifting away from formal attire in favor of pieces that offer versatility and comfort. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Hot teas are a standard part of life for many Blue Zone centenarians, offering comfort and health benefits. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English comforten, conforten "to strengthen spiritually, inspire with courage, exort, cheer up, encourage, invigorate," borrowed from Anglo-French conforter, comforter, borrowed from Late Latin confortāre "to strengthen, restore strength to, invigorate, cure" (Medieval Latin also "to cheer, reassure"), from Latin con- con- + Late Latin -fortāre, verbal derivative of Latin fortis "strong, robust" — more at fort

Noun

Middle English comfort, counfort "invigoration, encouragement, assurance, feeling of relief, pleasure, gratification," borrowed from Anglo-French comfort, confort, cunfort "solace, encouragement, enjoyment, satisfaction," noun derivative of conforter, comforter "to strengthen, encourage, solace" — more at comfort entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing comfort

• cold comfort
• comfort food
• comfort station
• comfort zone
• creature comfort
• in the comfort of one's own home
• take comfort in
• too close for comfort
• too near for comfort

Kids Definition

comfort

1 of 2 verb

com·​fort ˈkəm(p)-fərt 

1

: to give strength and hope to : cheer

2

: to ease the grief or trouble of : console

comfortingly

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

comfort

2 of 2 noun

1

: acts or words that comfort

2

: the feeling of the one that is comforted

find comfort in a mother's love

3

: something that makes a person comfortable

the comforts of home

comfortless

-ləs 

adjective