Word of the Day: Cheer

cheer / CHir noun

1. a shout of joy or encouragement

So two cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism. E.M. Forster, 1879-1970  

2. a state of mind or heart

After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem, there is a solution, and the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer. William R. Alger, 1822-1905  

3. animation; lightness of feeling

Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer. Sir Walter Scott, 1771-1832  

4. welcome; hospitality

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. J. R. R. Tolkien, 1892-1973  

5. food and drink, as at a feast

Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast. William Shakespeare, 1564-1616  

6. a form of shout used by spectators at a sporting or other type of event, used to encourage the competitors

A boo is a lot louder than a cheer. Lance Armstrong, 1971-  

7. something which provides happiness, encouragement, etc.

The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. Helen Keller, 1880-1968   verb

1. to gladden or cause to be joyful

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. Mark Twain, 1835-1910  

2. to encourage

For there is no friend like a sister In calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, To fetch one if one goes astray, To lift one if one totters down, To strengthen whilst one stands. Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894  

3. to salute with approving shouts

Cheer the bull, or cheer the bear; cheer both, and you will be trampled and eaten. from ‘Lord of Chaos: Book Six of The Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan, 1948-2007