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Definition of cherish

cherish

/ˈtʃɛr.ɪʃ/
cher · ish
Adjective:cherishable
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Past Simple:cherished
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Past Participle:cherished
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Present Participle:cherishing
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cherish Lexical Profile

cherish Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To protect and care for someone or something lovingly; to hold dear.

Example

"She continues to cherish the handwritten letters her grandmother sent her decades ago."

2

To keep a hope, ambition, or memory resolutely in mind.

Example

"For years, the young musician cherished a secret ambition to perform at the symphony hall."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cherish

• Nearby Words

cher
cherie
cherimoya
cherish
cherokees
cherry
cherry blossom

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'cheriss-', the lengthened stem of 'cherir' (to hold dear), derived from Latin 'carus' (dear, costly).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cherish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cherish
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