(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a fabric case filled with soft material, which you put on a seat to make it more comfortable.
...a velvet ~.
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ is a soft pad or barrier, especially one that protects something.
The company provides a styrofoam ~ to protect the tablets during shipping.
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3.
Something that ~s an object when it hits something protects it by reducing the force of the impact.
There is also a new steering wheel with an energy absorbing rim to ~ the driver’s head in the worst impacts...
The suspension is designed to ~ passengers from the effects of riding over rough roads.
VERB: V n, V n from n
4.
To ~ the effect of something unpleasant means to reduce it.
They said Western aid was needed to ~ the blows of vital reform...
The subsidies are designed to ~ farmers against unpredictable weather.
VERB: V n, V n against n
5.
Something that is a ~ against something unpleasant reduces its effect.
Housing benefit provides a ~ against hardship.
N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp