cherish Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb be fond of; be attached to
    treasure; hold dear; care for.

WordNet


Cher"ish transitive verb
Etymology
F. chérir, fr. cher dear, fr. L. carus. See Caress, Finish.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Cherished ; present participle & verbal noun Cherising
Definitions
  1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.
    We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thess. ii. 7.
  2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle.
    To cherish virtue and humanity. Burke.
    Syn. -- To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.

Webster 1913