bestow

American  

[bih-stoh] / bɪˈstoʊ /

verb (used with object)

1. to present as a gift; give; confer (usually followed by on orupon ).

   The trophy was bestowed upon the winner.

   Synonyms:

   accord, award, vouchsafe, grant

2. Archaic. to put to some use; apply.

   He was continually working the mines, expending money and bestowing his time, toil, and skill upon them.

3. Archaic.

   1. to provide quarters for; house; lodge.

   2. to put; stow; deposit; store.

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bestow British  

/ bɪˈstəʊ /

verb

1. to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour)

2. archaic to apply (energy, resources, etc)

3. archaic to house (a person) or store (goods)

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Other Word Forms

• bestowal noun
• bestower noun
• bestowment noun
• misbestow verb (used with object)
• prebestow verb (used with object)
• prebestowal noun

Etymology

Origin of bestow

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bestowen; be-, stow ( def. )

Example Sentences

In order to truly feel the benefit and gift that this money bestows, you clearly need to make sure it makes a difference elsewhere, too.

From MarketWatch

In the run-up to the Academy Awards, Madigan was not the overarching favorite, but wins at the Critics Choice Awards and the Actor Awards bestowed by the Screen Actors Guild snowballed into Oscars success.

From Barron's

The WGA bestowed the Walter Bernstein Award on Colbert, meant to honor artists with a “willingness to confront social injustice in the face of adversity.”

From Salon

Created by López to honor the legendary Mexican American actress, the award is bestowed to a filmmaker whose work amplifies Latino voices.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am sorry that I was not able to repay the faith you bestowed in me with the outcome you all deserved," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• bequeath
• confer
• donate
• entrust
• grant
• hand out
• lavish