cherish
/ˈt͡ʃɛɹɪʃ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: cherishes · cherishing · cherished
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To treat with affection, care, and tenderness; to nurture or protect with care.
Verb
Examples
[T]he ſame Sun vvhich only cheriſheth and gently vvarmes his Countrey men, halfe parboyle and tanne other people, and thoſe rayes vvhich ſcorch the aduſted ſoyles of Calabria and Spaine, only varniſh and guild the green hony-ſuckled plaines and hillocks of England; […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To have a deep appreciation of; to hold dear.
Verb
Examples
I cherish your friendship.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cherish” mean?
To treat with affection, care, and tenderness; to nurture or protect with care.
Is “cherish” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.