cherish

Cherish is a verb meaning to hold dear or to regard with deep affection; it also means to treasure, prize, or protect something or someone. The term can describe feelings as well as actions, such as cherishing a relationship, memory, or value. A related noun form, cherishment, exists but is relatively uncommon; the more frequent expression is to describe things as cherished.

Etymology traces to Old French cherir (modern French chérir), from Latin carus meaning dear. The word has long carried connotations of warmth, tenderness, and sustained care, rather than a fleeting sentiment.

Usage of cherish typically involves objects, people, or concepts valued over time. It implies ongoing regard and responsibility, as in cherishing family, cherished memories, or cherished beliefs. In everyday language, it often appears in personal speech, literature, and poetry to convey affection and importance. Synonyms include treasure, prize, value, and hold dear; related adjectives include cherished and precious.

Culturally, the concept appears in various forms. Several songs have used the title Cherish, notably the 1985 Kool & the Gang track and Madonna’s 1989 single. Beyond music, the idea of cherishing is common in discussions of relationships, parenting, and ethics, where it denotes a deliberate prioritization of what is valued and cared for.