endear

[ en-deer ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dear, esteemed, or beloved:

   He endeared himself to his friends with his gentle ways.

2. Obsolete. to make costly.

endear

/ ɪnˈdɪə /

verb

1. tr to cause to be beloved or esteemed

Other Words From

• unen·deared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + dear ¹

Example Sentences

He diligently befriended Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to Andrew Mellon’s fortunes who funded forest preservation across Pennsylvania and believed in curtailing population growth, endearing himself to her with gauzy appeals.

From Salon

It’s annoying and endearing at the same time.

From Salon

His ferocity and flights of fancy alienated some voters, but endeared him to many others, who considered him more authentic than standard-issue politicians.

From Los Angeles Times

The journalist turned filmmaker “was actually quite complex, much like the female heroines who weren’t necessarily endearing off the bat,” Kaplan says.

From Los Angeles Times

So the way to counteract that is by giving him an endearing quality.

From Salon

Related Words

• captivate
• cherish