Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - comfort

 I. transitive verb  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French cunforter, ~er, from Late Latin confortare to strengthen greatly, from Latin com- + fortis strong  Date: 13th century  1. to give strength and hope to ; cheer  2. to ease the grief or trouble of ; console  • ~ingly adverb  II. noun  Date: 13th century  1. strengthening aid:  a. assistance, support accused of giving aid and ~ to the enemy  b. consolation in time of trouble or worry ; solace  2.  a. a feeling of relief or encouragement  b. contented well-being a life of ease and ~  3. a satisfying or enjoyable experience  4. one that gives or brings ~ all the ~s of home  • ~less adjective