cherish

verb

cher·​ish ˈcher-ish 

ˈche-rish

cherished; cherishing; cherishes

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

cherishable

ˈcher-i-shə-bəl 

ˈche-ri-

adjective

cherisher

ˈcher-i-shər 

ˈche-ri-

noun

Synonyms

• adore
• love
• worship

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of cherish in a Sentence

a book cherished by many

I will always cherish that memory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Growing up celebrating the holiday with her family, Raveena particularly cherishes the visceral feeling of enchantment around Diwali. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

The spaniel, adorned with a glittering crown, was filmed comfortably seated at the table, clearly part of the community and cherished by all. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

But Karen's memory -- and the hope of those who cherish it -- still promises to endure. —Gemma Schneider, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024

Any Diwali function cherishing prosperity, expansion and growth is sure to be full of fresh flowers, highlighting the beauty of nature and its abundance. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cherish

verb

cher·​ish ˈcher-ish 

1

: to hold dear : feel or show affection for

cherished her friends

2

: to keep with care and affection : nurture

cherishes her friendship

3

: to harbor in the mind

cherish a hope