# cheer

Pronunciation: say "CHEER" US /t͡ʃɪɹ/, UK/AUS /t͡ʃɪə̯/

## Noun

1. A shout that expresses joy, approval, or support, such as "hurrah."
   - Simple: A loud shout that shows joy, approval, or support.
   - _A great cheer erupted as the band took the stage._
   - _Loud cheers greeted the final whistle of the match._
3. A cheerful frame of mind; happiness or a good, positive mood.
   - Simple: A happy, positive mood or feeling.
   - _The holiday season fills the house with warmth and cheer._
   - _Despite the rain, she kept her cheer all afternoon._
4. A rhythmic chant shouted to support a team during a sporting event.
   - Simple: A chant that fans shout to support their team at a game.
   - _The squad led the crowd in a cheer before kickoff._
   - _She wrote new cheers for the basketball season._
7. Food, drink, and entertainment prepared to promote good spirits at a festive occasion.
   - Simple: Food, drink, and fun prepared for a special celebration.
   - _The inn offered plenty of cheer to weary travelers at Christmas._
   - _Neighbors brought cheer in the form of cakes and music._
9. Cheerleading practiced as a competitive team sport. *(Canada, US)*
   - Simple: The sport of cheerleading, done as a team competition.
   - _Competitive cheer demands gymnastics, stunts, and tight coordination._
   - _Her daughter trains for cheer four evenings a week._

## Verb

2. To applaud or encourage someone with shouts and cheers.
   - Simple: To shout loudly to support or praise someone.
   - _Thousands cheer as the marathon leaders pass._
   - _The crowd cheered the firefighters as they returned home._
5. To gladden someone and lift their spirits, often used with "up."
   - Simple: To make someone feel happier.
   - _The good news cheered the whole team._
   - _She baked cookies to cheer up her grieving neighbor._
6. To express or feel strong enthusiasm in favor of something.
   - Simple: To strongly support or feel excited about something.
   - _Economists cheer the steady drop in unemployment._
   - _Voters cheered the decision to expand the park._
8. To instill life, courage, or hope in someone; to comfort and console.
   - Simple: To give someone hope, courage, or comfort.
   - _The doctor's reassurance cheered the anxious family._
   - _Letters from home cheer the soldiers stationed far away._

## Noun

10. One's attitude or mood; a person's general state of mind. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: A person's mood or state of mind.
   - _The travelers kept a hopeful cheer despite the long road._
   - _Her cheer lifted as spring returned to the valley._
11. One's facial expression or countenance; the look worn on a person's face. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: The look on a person's face.

## Verb

12. To urge or encourage someone to do something. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To urge someone to do something.
   - _The huntsman cheered his dogs onward across the moor._
   - _Old commanders would cheer their troops to one last charge._

## Origin

**Meanings 1–8, 10–12** — From Middle English 'chere', via Anglo-Norman 'chere' and Old French 'chiere' (meaning head, face, appearance, or reception), which came from Late Latin 'cara' ('head').
**Meaning 9** — A clipping of 'cheerleading'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/cheer (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).