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cheer

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The definition of cheer is joy and gladness, or anything that is comforting.

(noun)

An example of cheer is a visibly happy person.
An example of cheer is someone bringing a sad friend their favorite ice cream.

Cheer means to comfort, encourage or bring joy.

(verb)

An example of cheer is giving your spouse a foot rub after a hard day.
An example of cheer is clapping and shouting while a friend is competing.

See cheer in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

state of mind or of feeling; mood; spirit: now usually in such phrases as and
gaiety; gladness; joy
festive entertainment, esp. with food and drink
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
Archaic facial expression

Origin: 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

See cheer in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
a. A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation.
b. A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Festive food and drink; refreshment.

verb cheered, cheer·ing, cheers

verb, transitive

To make happier or more cheerful: a warm fire that cheered us.
To encourage with or as if with cheers; urge: The fans cheered the runners on. See Synonyms at encourage.
To salute or acclaim with cheers; applaud. See Synonyms at applaud.

verb, intransitive