Headrest: meaning, definitions and examples

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headrest

[ˈhɛdrɛst ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

car interior

A headrest is a padded support attached to the top of the seat in a vehicle, primarily designed to support the head and neck during travel.

Synonyms

head restraint, head support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
headrest	Typically refers to the part of a car seat that supports the head and neck. Also can be found in chairs and seats designed for relaxation and comfort such as reclining chairs or airline seats. The car's headrest can be adjusted for better comfort. The new office chair has a comfortable headrest.
head restraint	Often used in a more technical or safety-related context, particularly in automotive industries. It emphasizes protection and prevention of injury. The head restraint in modern cars is designed to reduce whiplash injuries. The crash test results showed effective head restraint during impacts.
head support	Broad term used to describe anything that supports the head, including pillows, medical braces, or any supportive structure. Used when speaking about both comfort and medical contexts. The neck pillow provides excellent head support during long flights. Patients with neck injuries require special head support.

Word

Description / Examples

headrest

Typically refers to the part of a car seat that supports the head and neck. Also can be found in chairs and seats designed for relaxation and comfort such as reclining chairs or airline seats.

The car's headrest can be adjusted for better comfort.
The new office chair has a comfortable headrest.

head restraint

Often used in a more technical or safety-related context, particularly in automotive industries. It emphasizes protection and prevention of injury.

The head restraint in modern cars is designed to reduce whiplash injuries.
The crash test results showed effective head restraint during impacts.

head support

Broad term used to describe anything that supports the head, including pillows, medical braces, or any supportive structure. Used when speaking about both comfort and medical contexts.

The neck pillow provides excellent head support during long flights.
Patients with neck injuries require special head support.

Examples of usage

The headrest in my car is adjustable for maximum comfort.
Make sure to adjust the headrest to prevent neck strain on long drives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'headrest' combines 'head', meaning the top part of your body, and 'rest', which means to relax or take a break.
Related words include 'rest', which comes from the Old French 'restorer', meaning to restore or recover strength.

History

Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, often used wooden headrests to support the neck while sleeping.
In the early 20th century, headrests in cars became popular for safety and comfort, evolving with ergonomic designs.

Design & Ergonomics

Modern headrests are designed to reduce the risk of whiplash during car accidents by supporting the head and neck.
Different types of headrests cater to various activities, such as gaming chairs, office chairs, and recliners.

Pop Culture

In films and media, characters are often shown dozing off or relaxing with their heads resting comfortably, highlighting the importance of comfort.
The iconic Lazy Boy recliner features a prominent headrest, symbolizing relaxation and leisure in American culture.

Health

Proper headrest position can help prevent neck pain and improve posture while sitting for long periods.
Pediatricians often recommend ergonomic headrests for children to ensure their growing bodies remain properly supported in vehicles.

Translations

Translations of the word "headrest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apoio de cabeça

🇮🇳 सिर सहारा

🇩🇪 Kopfstütze

🇮🇩 sandaran kepala

🇺🇦 підголівник

🇵🇱 zagłówek

🇯🇵 ヘッドレスト

🇫🇷 appuie-tête

🇪🇸 reposacabezas

🇹🇷 baş dayanağı

🇰🇷 머리 받침대

🇸🇦 مسند الرأس

🇨🇿 opěrka hlavy

🇸🇰 opierka hlavy

🇨🇳 头枕

🇸🇮 vzglavnik

🇮🇸 höfuðpúði

🇰🇿 бас тірегі

🇬🇪 თავის საყრდენი

🇦🇿 baş dayağı

🇲🇽 reposacabezas