1. (

• shock_absorber ,
• shock ,
• cushion ,

) a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses; "the old car needed a new set of shocks" ;

2. (

• cushion ,

) the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle ;

3. (

• cushion

) a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc. ;

1. (

• cushion ,
• buffer ,
• soften

) protect from impact; "cushion the blow" ;