Cherish

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid. We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thess. ii. 7.

2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious principle. To cherish virtue and humanity. Burke.

Synonyms: nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain; encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.