cheer: Meaning and Definition of

cheer

Pronunciation: (chēr), [key]
— 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. facial expression.
  8. (used as an exhortation to be cheerful): Be of good cheer! Things could be much worse.
  9. cheerfully; willingly: She accepted her lot with good cheer.
—interj.
  1. (used as a salutation or toast.)
—v.t.
  1. to salute with shouts of approval, congratulation, triumph, etc.: The team members cheered their captain.
  2. to gladden or cause joy to; inspire with cheer (often fol. by up): The good news cheered her.
  3. to encourage or incite: She cheered him on when he was about to give up.
—v.i.
  1. to utter cheers of approval, encouragement, triumph, etc.
  2. to become happier or more cheerful (often fol. by up): She cheered up as soon as the sun began to shine.
  3. to be or feel in a particular state of mind or spirits.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: