endearment

Definition

The act or process of endearing, of causing (something or someone) to be loved or to be the object of affection.

Etymology

From endear + -ment.

Example Sentences

• "Every step of that walk led Jeff deeper into an excursion of endearment. It was amazingly true that he trod beside her an acknowledged friend, a secret lover."
• "He could not forget the fond and earnest look that had passed between her and some other man—the attitude of familiar confidence, if not of positive endearment."
• "When they were alone he called him "my boy," an endearment he never gave another."

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