cheer

[[t]tʃɪər[/t]]

n.

1) a shout of encouragement, approval, etc

2) a shout used by spectators to encourage an athletic team, contestant, etc

3) something that gives comfort or joy:

words of cheer[/ex]

4) a state of feeling or spirits:

Be of good cheer[/ex]

5) gladness, gaiety, or animation

6) food and drink:

to invite friends for Christmas cheer[/ex]

7) cheers, (used as a salutation or toast.)

8) to salute with shouts of approval, congratulation, triumph, etc

9) to gladden; raise the spirits of (often fol. by up):

The good news cheered her[/ex]

10) to utter cheers of approval, encouragement, etc

11) Obs. to be in a particular state of mind or spirits

12) phv cheer on, to encourage or urge on

13) phv cheer up, to become or make happier or more cheerful

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Etymology: 1175–1225; ME chere face < AF; OF chiere < LL cara < Gk kárā face, head cheer′er, n.