cheer

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom

   flowers added a note of cheerfulness to the drab room

2. 2
   verb

   to show approval or good wishes by shouting

   everybody cheered the birthday boy

3. 3
   verb

   to spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts

   The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers

4. 4
   verb

   to cause somebody to feel happier or more cheerful

   We tried to cheer up the disappointed child who failed to win the spelling bee.

5. 5
   noun

   A cheerful attitude; happiness; a good, happy, or positive mood.

   I have not that alacrity of spirit, / Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.

6. 6
   noun

   That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness, especially food and entertainment prepared for a festive occasion.

   a table loaded with good cheer

7. 7
   noun

   A cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah".

   Three cheers for the birthday boy!

8. 8
   noun

   One's facial expression or countenance.

   And soo on the morne they were alle accorded that they shold departe eueryche from other / And on the morne they departed with wepynge chere / and euery knyȝt took the way that hym lyked best

Etymology

From Middle English chere, from Anglo-Norman chere, from Old French chiere (“head, face; appearance; reception, hospitality; meal, dinner, food”) (Modern French chère), from Late Latin cara (“head”).