endear

[en-deer]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dear, esteemed, or beloved.

   He endeared himself to his friends with his gentle ways.

2. Obsolete.,  to make costly.

endear

/ ɪnˈdɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to be beloved or esteemed

Other Word Forms

• unendeared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + dear ¹

Example Sentences

Bell has an infectious optimism, an endearing love of her craft and is impressively clear in what makes her tick.

From BBC

The stated intent is to share Bessie’s story when she no longer can, and surprisingly, everyone accepts this, perhaps because Squibb is too endearing to stay mad at.

From Los Angeles Times

The Tesla board’s faith in Musk is, in a sense, endearing.

From Los Angeles Times

He works hard for his laughs, sometimes too hard, but he’s an endearing imp — an overwhelmed freelancer trying to survive the unforgiving gig economy of his age.

From Los Angeles Times

Wearing her heart on her sleeve is one of the things that endears Sabalenka to her fans.

From BBC

Related Words

• captivate 
• cherish