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(), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Comforted; p. pr. & vb. n.Comforting.] [F. conforter, fr. L. confortare to strengthen much; con- + fortis strong. See Fort.] 1. To make strong; to invigorate; to fortify; to corroborate. [Obs.] Wyclif. God's own testimony . . . doth not a little comfort and confirm the same. Hooker. 2. To assist or help; to aid. [Obs.] I . . . can not help the noble chevalier: God comfort him in this necessity! Shak. 3. To impart strength and hope to; to encourage; to relieve; to console; to cheer. Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men. Bacon. That we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction. 2 Cor. i. 4 (Rev. Ver.). A perfect woman, nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command. Wordsworth. Syn. -- To cheer; solace; console; revive; encourage; enliven; invigorate; inspirit; gladden; recreate; exhilarate; refresh; animate; confirm; strengthen. -- To Comfort, Console, Solace. These verbs all suppose some antecedent state Com"fort (), n.[OF. confort, fr. conforter.] 1. Assistance; relief; support. [Obs. except in the phrase "aid and comfort." See 5 below.] Shak. 2. Encouragement; solace; consolation in trouble; also, that which affords consolation. In comfort of her mother's fears. Shak. Cheer thy spirit with this comfort. Shak. Speaking words of endearment where words of comfort availed not. Longfellow. 3. A state of quiet enjoyment; freedom from pain, want, or anxiety; also, whatever contributes to such a condition. I had much joy and comfort in thy love. Phil. 7 (Rev. Ver.). He had the means of living in comfort. Macaulay. 4. A wadded bedquilt; a comfortable. [U. S.] 5. (Law) Unlawful support, countenance, or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy. Syn. -- Comfort, Consolation. Comfort has two meanings: 1. Strength and relief received under affliction; 2. Positive enjoyment, of a quiet, permanent nature, together with the sources thereof; as, the comfort of love; surrounded with co スポンサード リンク
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