bless

[bles]

verb (used with object)

blessed, blest, blessing. 

1. to consecrate or sanctify by a religious rite; make or pronounce holy.

   Synonyms: beatify, magnify, glorify, hallow, exalt

2. to request of God the bestowal of divine favor on.

   Bless this house.

3. to bestow good of any kind upon.

   a nation blessed with peace.

4. to extol as holy; glorify.

   Bless the name of the Lord.

5. to protect or guard from evil (usually used as an interjection).

   Bless you! Bless your innocent little heart!

6. to condemn or curse.

   I'll be blessed if I can see your reasoning. Bless me if it isn't my old friend!

7. to make the sign of the cross over or upon.

   The Pope blessed the multitude.

bless

/ blɛs /

verb

1. to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite

2. to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy

3. to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to

4. to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy

5. (often passive) to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to

   they were blessed with perfect peace

6. (usually passive) to endow with a talent, beauty, etc

   she was blessed with an even temper

7. rare,  to protect against evil or harm

8. (interjection) an exclamation of well-wishing

9. (interjection)

   1. a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed

   2. an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise

10. (interjection) an exclamation of surprise

11. to be desperately poor

Other Word Forms

• blesser noun
• blessingly adverb
• outbless verb (used with object)
• prebless verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bless¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English blessen, Old English blētsian, blēdsian “to consecrate” (originally done with blood), earlier *blōdisōian ( blōd “blood” + -isō- derivational suffix + -ian verb suffix); blood

Word History and Origins

Origin of bless¹

Old English blǣdsian to sprinkle with sacrificial blood; related to blōd _blood

Example Sentences

Yet, that could be a blessing in disguise as George made his first start and fourth appearance of the season - again acting as deputy to only fit striker Joao Pedro.

From BBC

It is unlikely that TikTok's parent company would sell its prize app without the blessing of the Chinese government.

From BBC

"These pieces and these characters meant so much to people - so to have been involved in something like that is an absolute blessing."

From BBC

“Ten years later, in September of 2025, my friends, I have never loved my country more desperately. God bless America. Stay strong.”

From Salon

The Los Angeles area is blessed with numerous gardens that will host seasonal events this fall and winter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anoint 
• baptize 
• consecrate 
• ordain 
• thank