First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
cherish
verb cher·ish \ˈcher-ish, ˈche-rish\
: to feel or show great love for (someone or something)
: to remember or hold (an idea, belief, etc.) in a deeply felt way
Full Definition of CHERISH
transitive verb
1
a : to hold dear : feel or show affection for <cherished her friends> b : to keep or cultivate with care and affection : nurture <cherishes his marriage>
2
: to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely <still cherishes that memory>
— cher·ish·able \-i-shə-bəl\ adjective
— cher·ish·er \-i-shər\ noun
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Origin of CHERISH
Middle English cherisshen, from Anglo-French cheriss-, stem of cherir to cherish, from cher dear, from Latin carus — more at charity
Related to CHERISH
Synonym Discussion of CHERISH
appreciate, value, prize, treasure, cherish mean to hold in high estimation. appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence <appreciates fine wine>. value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth <values our friendship>. prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses <Americans prize their freedom>. treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious <a treasured memento>. cherish implies a special love and care for something <cherishes her children above all>.
CHERISHED Defined for Kids
cherish
verb cher·ish \ˈcher-ish\
cher·ishedcher·ish·ing
Definition of CHERISH for Kids
1
: to hold dear : feel or show affection for <cherish a friend>
2
: to remember or hold in a deeply felt way <She cherishes the memory.>
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