endear

American  

[en-deer] / ɛnˈdɪər /

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.

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endear British  

/ ɪnˈdɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to be beloved or esteemed

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Other Word Forms

• unendeared adjective

Etymology

Origin of endear

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

Explanation

Things that endear you to others — like your sense of humor or your skill at baking chocolate chip cookies — cause them to be fond of you. The verb endear is almost always followed by the word "to," as in the sentence "The teacher's ready smile and gentle voice endear him to the class of kindergartners." When something endears you to another person, he or she adores you. In the 1500s, endear meant "increase the value of," though it quickly came to mean "make dear," or perhaps to increase the emotional value, especially of another person.

Example Sentences

But another spring meltdown will not endear himself to new owners who expect their coaches to be the calm face of the organization.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

This marketing strategy naturally didn’t endear him to others in his industry, since it implied that they were moving too fast and in the process breaking things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

As he said it, Alcaraz flashed the infectious smile which has helped endear him to crowds globally.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

Hitler's avowed opposition to left-wing politics would later endear him to Germany's capitalists, though that moment had to wait for many years after he explained his beliefs in "Mein Kampf."

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025

The new heir apparent soon had an opportunity to endear himself to the Athenians.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• captivate
• cherish