Cheer, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Cheered (chērd); p. pr. & vb. n.cheering.] 1. To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; — often with up. Cowpe.
2. To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
Dryden.
3. To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.
To cheer ship, to salute a passing ship by cheers of sailors stationed in the rigging.
Syn. — To gladden; encourage; inspirit; comfort; console; enliven; refresh; exhilarate; animate; applaud.