Comfort often given three times (5)
I believe the answer is:
cheer
'comfort' is the definition.
(cheer can mean to comfort or gladden someone)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cheer that I've seen before include "Jolly" , "Applaud; mood" , "Fare" , "Applause - encourage" , "Shout of approval" .)