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   bless

   /blɛs/

   verb

   • 1. pronounce words in a religious rite in order to confer or invoke divine favour upon; ask God to look favourably on: "he blessed the dying man and anointed him" Similar ask God's favour forask God's protection forgive a benediction forinvoke happiness onendowfavourprovidegracebestowfurnishentrustpresentgrantvouchsafeaffordaccordgivedonateconfer onlavish onliterary:endueOpposite cursetrouble
   • ▪ (especially in Christian church services) call (God) holy; praise (God). Similar praiseworshipglorifyhonourexaltadorepay tribute topay homage togive thanks toveneratereverencehallowarchaic:magnifylaud
   • ▪ (of God or some notional higher power) endow someone with (a particular cherished thing or attribute): "we have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy" Similar consecratesanctifyhallowdedicate (to God)make holymake sacredset apartdevote to GodanointordaincanonizebeatifyOpposite deconsecrate
   • ▪ express or feel gratitude to; thank: "she silently blessed the premonition which had made her pack her best dress" Similar give thanks forexpress gratitude forbe grateful forthankappreciatecelebrateOpposite rue
   • ▪ make the sign of the cross: "the poor parson, blessing himself, brought up the rear"
   • ▪ used in expressions of surprise, endearment, gratitude, etc.: "bless my soul, Alan, what are you doing?"

   Word Origin Old Englishblēdsian, blētsian, based on blōd ‘blood’ (i.e. originally perhaps ‘mark or consecrate with blood’). The meaning was influenced by its being used to translate Latin benedicere ‘to praise, worship’, and later by association with bliss.

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • B

     3

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

   • S

     1

   • S

     1

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