- cheer
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—cheerer, n. —cheeringly, adv./chear/, n.1. a shout of encouragement, approval, congratulation, etc.: The cheers of the fans filled the stadium.2. a set or traditional form of shout used by spectators to encourage or show enthusiasm for an athletic team, contestant, etc., as rah! rah! rah!3. something that gives joy or gladness; encouragement; comfort: words of cheer.4. a state of feeling or spirits: Their good cheer overcame his depression.5. gladness, gaiety, or animation: full of cheer and good spirits.6. food and drink: tables laden with cheer.7. Archaic. facial expression.8. be of good cheer, (used as an exhortation to be cheerful): Be of good cheer! Things could be much worse.9. with good cheer, cheerfully; willingly: She accepted her lot with good cheer.10. cheers, (used as a salutation or toast.)v.t.11. to salute with shouts of approval, congratulation, triumph, etc.: The team members cheered their captain.12. to gladden or cause joy to; inspire with cheer (often fol. by up): The good news cheered her.13. to encourage or incite: She cheered him on when he was about to give up.v.i.14. to utter cheers of approval, encouragement, triumph, etc.15. to become happier or more cheerful (often fol. by up): She cheered up as soon as the sun began to shine.16. Obs. to be or feel in a particular state of mind or spirits.[1175-1225; ME chere face < AF; cf. OF chiere < LL cara face, head < Gk kára head]Syn. 3. solace. 5. joy, mirth, glee, merriment. 11. applaud. 12. exhilarate, animate. CHEER, GLADDEN, ENLIVEN mean to make happy or lively. TO CHEER is to comfort, to restore hope and cheerfulness to (now often CHEER UP, when thoroughness, a definite time, or a particular point in the action is referred to): to cheer a sick person; She soon cheered him up. (Compare EAT UP.) To GLADDEN does not imply a state of sadness to begin with, but suggests bringing pleasure or happiness to someone: to gladden someone's heart with good news. ENLIVEN suggests bringing vivacity and liveliness: to enliven a dull evening, a party. 13. inspirit.Ant. 12. discourage, depress.
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Universalium. 2010.