To make someone like or love you by doing kind or attractive things; to cause affection toward something.
From Old French 'enderer' (to make dear), combining the prefix 'en-' (to cause to be) with 'dear' (from Latin 'carus'). The meaning evolved from making something precious to causing emotional attachment.
Shakespeare used 'endear' constantly—it perfectly captures how small gestures of kindness actually build love between people. When you endear yourself to someone, you're literally making yourself 'dear' to them through your actions.
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