What is the meaning of cushion?

noun

• A mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses.
  • usage: "the old car needed a new set of shocks"
  • synonyms: shock absorber, shock
• The layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle.
• A soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc..

verb

• Protect from impact.
  • usage: "cushion the blow"
  • synonyms: buffer, soften