vt.

1. 珍愛；撫育；愛護
   They cherished the child as one of their own.

   他們把這孩子當作自己親生子女一般。

2. 抱有，懷有（希望，感情等）
   She cherished the hope that he would come back to her some day.

   她希望他終將回到她的身邊。

v.

1. protect and care for lovingly.
2. nurture (a hope or ambition).