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

Jonsson has endeared Andy to the audience enough for future writers to expand his potential to shift course from an old story told too many times.

From Salon

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Molesley endeared audiences with his hapless but well-meaning misadventures in the series, eventually transitioning from footman to local schoolteacher.

From Los Angeles Times

Both women have also endeared themselves to fans by eloquently using their voices to shine light on social issues including racism.

From BBC

But Butler works best here because you can’t doom someone this endearing.

From Salon

Related Words

• captivate 
• cherish