cherish

cher·ish

verb \ˈcher-ish, ˈche-rish\

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

Examples of CHERISH

1. a book cherished by many
2. I will always cherish that memory.

Origin of CHERISH

Middle English cherisshen, from Anglo-French cheriss-, stem of cherir to cherish, from cher dear, from Latin carus — more at charity

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CHERISH

Synonyms: adore, love, worship

Antonyms: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe

Related Words: adulate, canonize, deify, idealize, idolize; revere, reverence, venerate; delight (in), dote (on)

Near Antonyms: antagonize, displease; disapprove (of), disfavor, dislike; disgust, nauseate, repel, repulse, revolt, sicken, turn off

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at appreciate

Rhymes with CHERISH

bearish, fairish, garish, perish, squarish