ˈbʌfə(ɹ) ˈbʌfɚ ˈbafə(ɹ) ˈkʊʃən ˈkʊʃən ˈsɒfən ˈsɔfən protect from impact cushion the blow a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc. the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses the old car needed a new set of shocks