cheer on

1. Encourage, as in The crowd was cheering on all the marathon runners. Originating in the 1400s simply as cheer, this usage was augmented by on in the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

“We tell the fans, booing at somebody doesn’t make them play worse. Typically, it makes them play better. And when our American players have to control the crowds, that distracts them from playing. So our message today to everybody who’s out here is, cheer on the Americans like never before, because that’ll always get them to play better and get them out of crowd control and let them perform.”

From Los Angeles Times

Surf instructors Mike Bennett, left, and Shanden Brutsch, right, cheer on Cassandra Winston as she rides her first wave.

From Los Angeles Times

“For far too long, we’ve watched the radical left normalize threats, call for assassinations, and cheer on political violence. That era is over,” she said.

From Salon

With the streets outside also lined by enthusiastic supporters as the nine-day championships began, it marked a poignant moment for the host nation after it was denied the opportunity to cheer on its athletes at the same location for its Games.

From BBC

While some football fans were flying them to cheer on the Lionesses during the 2025 Euros, many more flags have gone up in recent weeks.

From BBC