If you cherish a right, a privilege, or a principle, you regard it as important and try hard to keep it. These people cherish their independence and sovereignty. + cherished cher·ished Freud called into question some deeply cherished beliefs
If you cherish someone or something, you take good care of them because you love them. The previous owners had cherished the house. + cherished cher·ished He described the picture as his most cherished possession
If you cherish something such as a hope or a pleasant memory, you keep it in your mind for a long period of time. The president will cherish the memory of this visit to Ohio = treasure + cherished cher·ished the cherished dream of a world without wars