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

The honor was bestowed on her by Prince William, who attended with his wife, Princess Catherine.

From Los Angeles Times

Back in 2023, that prestige was bestowed upon tomatoes, which moved beyond the grocery store aisles to become an aesthetic and a way of life with the so-called “Tomato Girl Summer” micro trend.

From Salon

Last year, the regional government pledged to bestow the honorary title of "village of military valour" for the participation of its men in the war.

From BBC

I whipped the crop against the dusty ground, feeling the power it bestowed.

From Literature

Each year around June when the rains came, its waters would gather in might, churning with rich silt, flooding the plains, and bestowing abundant harvests for farmers and catches for fishermen.

From Literature

Related Words

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