godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
love tenderly; cherish; be affectionate toward
Conveys a gentle, protective, and compassionate love, often toward someone weaker or in need of care. More emotional and tender than 愛する.
母親は赤ん坊を慈しむように抱きしめた。
The mother held the baby tenderly, as if cherishing it.
彼は年老い
He deeply cherishes his elderly parents.