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

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>

: 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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CHERISH

Synonyms: adore, love, worship

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

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>.