Cherish

Pronunciation

Origin

From Old French cherir.

Full definition of cherish

Verb

1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 12, There were many wooden chairs for the bulk of his visitors, and two wicker armchairs with red cloth cushions for superior people. From the packing-cases had emerged some Indian clubs, â€¦, and all these articles â€¦ made a scattered and untidy decoration that Mrs. Clough assiduously dusted and greatly cherished.
2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle.
3. (obsolete) To cheer, gladden.
• 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.vi:Her merry fit she freshly gan to reare,
  And did of ioy and iollitie deuize,
  Her selfe to cherish, and her guest to cheare ....