The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

cherished \cherished\ adj.
   deeply loved or valued.

   Syn: precious, treasured, wanted.
        [WordNet 1.5]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cherish \Cher"ish\ (ch[e^]r"[i^]sh), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Cherished (ch[e^]r"[i^]sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Cherising.]
   [F. ch['e]rir, fr. cher dear, fr. L. carus. See Caress,
   Finish.]
   1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with
      care; to protect and aid.
      [1913 Webster]

            We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth
            her children.                         --1 Thess. ii.
                                                  7.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to
      encourage; to foster; to promote; as, to cherish religious
      principle.
      [1913 Webster]

            To cherish virtue and humanity.       --Burke.

   Syn: To nourish; foster; nurse; nurture; entertain;
        encourage; comfort; protect; support; See Nurture.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

cherished
    adj 1: characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for;
           "a cherished friend"; "children are precious"; "a
           treasured heirloom"; "so good to feel wanted" [syn:
           cherished, precious, treasured, wanted]