cherish

[cher-ish]

verb (used with object)

1. to hold or treat as dear; feel love for.

   to cherish one's native land.

2. to care for tenderly; nurture.

   to cherish a child.

   Synonyms: sustain, nourish, nurse
   Antonyms: neglect

3. to cling fondly or inveterately to.

   to cherish a memory.

   Antonyms: relinquish

cherish

/ ˈtʃɛrɪʃ /

verb

1. to show great tenderness for; treasure

2. to cling fondly to (a hope, idea, etc); nurse

   to cherish ambitions

Other Word Forms

• cherisher noun
• cherishable adjective
• cherishingly adverb
• overcherish verb (used with object)
• overcherished adjective
• uncherished adjective
• uncherishing adjective
• well-cherished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherish¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English cherisshen, from Middle French cheriss- (long stem of cherir ); equivalent to cher “dear” (from Latin cārus “beloved, dear, expensive”) + -ish ²; charity

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherish¹

C14: from Old French cherir, from cher dear, from Latin cārus

Synonym Study

Cherish, foster, harbor imply giving affection, care, or shelter to something. Cherish suggests regarding or treating something as an object of affection or as valuable: to cherish a friendship. Foster implies sustaining and nourishing something with care, especially in order to promote, increase, or strengthen it: to foster a hope; to foster enmity. Harbor suggests giving shelter to or entertaining something undesirable, especially evil thoughts or intentions: to harbor malice or a grudge.

Example Sentences

Leaving aside that the extension would also increase the number of Americans with health insurance by 3.8 million, the price is dwarfed by the cost of some other initiatives more cherished by the GOP.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Like him, they will have memories, experiences and friendships, and it is those - as much as the medals - that the Scot will cherish when he reflects.

Read more on BBC

You are cherished for everything that you are.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When a cherished loved one dies, relatives often decide to scatter their ashes at a significant landmark - a mountain, a cliff top, a riverbank.

Read more on BBC

The one who would have reveled in his successes, thought he was funny, cherished what was great about him and protected him from harm.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• admire 
• adore 
• appreciate 
• care for www.thesaurus.com
• cling to www.thesaurus.com
• cultivate 
• defend 
• embrace 
• encourage 
• enshrine 
• entertain 
• harbor 
• hold dear www.thesaurus.com
• honor 
• love 
• preserve 
• revere 
• safeguard 
• treasure 
• worship 

When To Use

What does cherish mean?

Cherish means to treasure—to hold or treat something as dear and often loved.The word implies a deep and active appreciation of the person or thing that’s cherished.The word is especially applied to loved ones, relationships, and fond memories of the time spent with such people. It can also be used in the context of possessions that are very special to you, such as a family heirloom or a favorite toy from childhood. Still, such objects are usually cherished due to their connection to a loved one. For example, you might cherish a locket with a photo of your grandmother in it, or a stuffed animal that your dad won for you at a carnival.Things that you cherish can be described with the adjective cherished, as in These are my most cherished possessions. Example: I love my grandma so much and cherish the time we get to spend together.