bless

[ bles ]

verb (used with object)

, blessed or blest, bless·ing.

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. bless!
   bless! interjection an exclamation of well-wishing
9. bless you!
   bless you! interjection
   1. a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed
   2. an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise
10. bless me!
    bless me!bless my soul!God bless my soul! interjection an exclamation of surprise
11. not have a penny to bless oneself with
    not have a penny to bless oneself with to be desperately poor

Other Words From

• blesser noun
• blessing·ly adverb
• outbless verb (used with object) outblessed or outblest outblessing
• pre·bless 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

We’re blessed to live in countries where we can be who we are and yet we know that there are individual cases around the world, individual countries that deny just basic human rights.

From Washington Blade

It’s like, songs like that makes me realize how I’ve been a wretch, and yet God will bless me.

From Ozy

That’s when a country seemingly blessed with valuable natural resources ultimately suffers because it fails to diversify their economy.

From Freakonomics

I was blessed enough to get this opportunity at a very young age, but I’ve taken every opportunity that’s come my way.

From Ozy

In 1923, San Diego adopted its first zoning ordinance – six years after the Supreme Court outlawed racial districts, and three years before the court blessed the basic structure of zoning we know today.

From Voice of San Diego

The ceremony ended with a singing of “God Bless America,” with some of those in the stands as well as de Blasio singing along.

From The Daily Beast

West Virginia, God bless it, is still a little bit different!

From The Daily Beast

Beth, bless her, later asks Joan what Gorman has done to her.

From The Daily Beast

I think Richard Kiel did, God bless him, but according to Rob, there was really only one person who could play the role.

From The Daily Beast

On the one hand it can bless you with exceptional land for growing grapes.

From The Daily Beast

"God bless 'ee, Missy," cried the old man in the shrill cracked voice of age, as he pressed up to the carriage window.

From Project Gutenberg

Gilbert's "O shame, father," and Mrs. Rushmere's "God bless the dear child," following her hasty retreat.

From Project Gutenberg

“God bless thee, little David,” said the country folk, crowding to shake his hand as he was conveyed back to London for his trial.

From Project Gutenberg

Put your hands together as you do when you’re saying your prayers, mon brave, and say, ‘God bless father and mother.

From Project Gutenberg

I have earnestly prayed that what I am about to say may bear fruit and I know that you will bless my word with a similar prayer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anoint
• baptize
• consecrate
• ordain
• thank