godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned verb expressing deep affection, tenderness, or cherishing. Often used for people, but also for things one holds dear. Cross-referenced with 愛おしむ, which is a more common synonym.
See also: 愛おしむ
祖母は孫をいとしむように抱きしめた。
The grandmother hugged her grandchild as if cherishing them.
彼は古い写真をいとしむ気持ちで眺めていた。
He was looking at the old photos with a feeling of cherishing them.