caomhnaigh1, v.t. Cherish; preserve, conserve, protect. Cairde a chaomhnú, to cherish friends. Nós, teanga, a chaomhnú, to preserve a custom, a language. Rún a chaomhnú, to guard a secret. Duine a chaomhnú ar rud, to secure s.o. from sth. D’anam a chaomhnú, to preserve one’s life, soul. Sinn féin a chaomhnú i ngrásta Dé, to keep ourselves in the grace of God.