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

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

But didn’t I need to exist as my own person in order to do the job bestowed on me when my daughter exited my body seven years earlier?

From Los Angeles Times

She had traveled to the basilica from her home in Tabasco state to beg Guadalupe to bestow on her at least one child.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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