bless

American  

[bles] / blɛs /

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.

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bless British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of bless

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

Example Sentences

“But sometimes a blessing comes our way. And as we reach ourselves out of the darkness of loss, light can reach us.”

From Los Angeles Times

For yield-focused dividend investors, however, it could be a mixed blessing.

From Barron's

“He was quiet, insular and not exactly blessed with social skills,” Mr. Corera writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

In November, a U.S. judge blessed a proposed sale of Citgo to an affiliate of Elliott Management, which had been in a contest against several other investors to swap debts for control of the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’m feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play one more day, one more year, on this beautiful living planet ... Thank you all for caring.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anoint
• baptize
• consecrate
• ordain
• thank