couch

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. the place where a person sits or lies while talking to a therapist.

n. used metonymically to refer to the process or setting of psychoanalysis or psychotherapy.

“He spent three years on the couch trying to understand his childhood.”

“The patient's progress on the couch was slow, as he initially resisted the therapist's attempts to explore his recurring dreams.”

C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic

v. to say or write something using specific words to create a certain effect.

v. to express or frame a statement in a particular style or manner. Often used in the passive voice.

“The bad news was couched in very polite language so it didn't sound so harsh.”

“The legal warnings were couched in such technical jargon that the average consumer could barely understand the risks involved.”

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

v. to lower a spear or lance into a position ready for an attack.

v. to lower a spear or lance to a horizontal position in preparation for a charge or attack.

“The knight couched his lance as he prepared to charge at his opponent.”

“As the trumpet sounded, the heavy cavalry couched their lances in unison, creating a formidable wall of steel points.”

C2 · Proficiency Art Technical

v. to sew a piece of thread onto fabric using very small stitches.

v. to attach a thread, cord, or other material onto the surface of a fabric using small, transverse stitches.

“She used gold thread and couched it onto the silk to make a beautiful pattern.”

“The artisan carefully couched the heavy silver wire onto the ceremonial robe to create an intricate floral border.”