endearment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a word, name, gesture, or action that expresses affection

   She used darling as a private term of endearment.

2. 2
   noun

   the act of making someone loved or of showing fond affection

   His quiet acts of endearment mattered more to her than elaborate gifts.

Formed in English from endear + -ment. Endear combines en- ('make or cause to be') with dear, so an endearment was first an act that made someone dear and later, more commonly, an affectionate word or gesture.

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