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cheer definition

cheer (c̸hir)

noun

  1. state of mind or of feeling; mood; spirit: now usually in such phrases as be of good cheer and with good cheer
  2. gaiety; gladness; joy
  3. festive entertainment, esp. with food and drink
  4. anything that comforts or gladdens one; encouragement
    1. a glad, excited shout used to urge on, welcome, approve, etc.
    2. a jingle, rallying cry, etc. shouted in unison in rooting for a team
  5. 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

  1. to fill with joy, good spirits, and hope; gladden; comfort: often with up
  2. to urge on or encourage by cheers
  3. to greet or applaud with cheers

intransitive verb

  1. to be or become cheerful; feel encouraged: usually with up
  2. 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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