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 awards bestowed by North America's largest critics' group could give movie campaigns much-needed extra momentum as Oscars voting nears.

From Barron's

At the time, the Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said: "This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that."

From BBC

This was not charity bestowed from afar, but mutual aid.

From Los Angeles Times

And because we can learn from it, the authority we bestow on the dictionary is gratifyingly reciprocal.

From The Wall Street Journal

The sycophants bestowed with medals and presidential commendations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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