cheer: Meaning and Definition of
cheer
Pronunciation: (chēr), [key]
— n.
- a shout of encouragement, approval, congratulation, etc.: The cheers of the fans filled the stadium.
- 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!
- something that gives joy or gladness; encouragement; comfort: words of cheer.
- a state of feeling or spirits: Their good cheer overcame his depression.
- gladness, gaiety, or animation: full of cheer and good spirits.
- food and drink: tables laden with cheer.
- facial expression.
- (used as an exhortation to be cheerful): Be of good cheer! Things could be much worse.
- cheerfully; willingly: She accepted her lot with good cheer.
—interj.
- (used as a salutation or toast.)
—v.t.
- to salute with shouts of approval, congratulation, triumph, etc.: The team members cheered their captain.
- to gladden or cause joy to; inspire with cheer (often fol. by up): The good news cheered her.
- to encourage or incite: She cheered him on when he was about to give up.
—v.i.
- to utter cheers of approval, encouragement, triumph, etc.
- to become happier or more cheerful (often fol. by up): She cheered up as soon as the sun began to shine.
- to be or feel in a particular state of mind or spirits.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.