vt.

1. 珍爱；抚育；爱护
   They cherished the child as one of their own.

   他们把这孩子当作自己亲生子女一般。

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

   她希望他终将回到她的身边。

v.

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