n. & v.
--n.
1. a shout of encouragement or applause.
2 mood, disposition (full of good cheer).
3 (in pl.; as int.) Brit. colloq. a expressing good wishes on parting or before drinking. b expressing gratitude.
--v.
1. tr. a applaud with shouts. b (usu. foll. by on) urge or encourage with shouts.
2 intr. shout for joy.
3 tr. gladden; comfort.
Phrases and idioms:
cheer-leader a person who leads cheers of applause etc. cheer up make or become less depressed. three cheers three successive hurrahs for a person or thing honoured.
Etymology: ME f. AF chere face etc., OF chiere f. LL cara face f. Gk kara head