The meaning of CHERISH is to hold dear : feel or show affection for. How to use cherish in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Cherish. Learn the meaning of cherish as a verb and an adjective, with synonyms and examples. Cherish means to feel or show great love for someone or something, or to remember or hold an idea or belief deeply. cherish (third-person singular simple present cherishes, present participle cherishing, simple past and past participle cherished) To treat with affection, care, and tenderness; to nurture or protect with care. quotations Cherish definition : To treat with affection and tenderness; hold dear.