Definition

To lead or participate in cheering, especially at sports events, or to promote enthusiastic support for something.

Example

The students decided to cheerlead for their team during the championship game.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the crowd cheerlead for our team last night?

Yeah, it was amazing! The energy was off the charts.

I wish I could cheerlead like that — it looked so fun.

You should join the cheer squad next season; you’d be great at it!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cheerlead is formed from "cheer" (from Old English *cieran*, meaning to shout or cry out) and "lead" (from Old English *lædan*, meaning to guide or direct). The word describes the act of guiding or directing a group in enthusiastic shouting or encouragement.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'shouting' ('cheer') to 'guide' ('lead') a group — that's why cheerlead means to lead a group in cheers.

Visually Confused Words