cheer
cheer definition
cheer (c̸hir)
noun
- state of mind or of feeling; mood; spirit: now usually in such phrases as be of good cheer and with good cheer
- gaiety; gladness; joy
- festive entertainment, esp. with food and drink
- anything that comforts or gladdens one; encouragement
- a glad, excited shout used to urge on, welcome, approve, etc.
- a jingle, rallying cry, etc. shouted in unison in rooting for a team
- Archaic facial expression
Etymology: ME chere, the face, demeanor, bearing, mood < OFr chiere < LL cara, head < Gr kara < IE base *er-, head, horn; modern senses < phr. good cheer (Fr bonne chère)
transitive verb
- to fill with joy, good spirits, and hope; gladden; comfort: often with up
- to urge on or encourage by cheers
- to greet or applaud with cheers
intransitive verb
- to be or become cheerful; feel encouraged: usually with up
- to shout cheers
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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