First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
bless
verb \ˈbles\
: to make (something or someone) holy by saying a special prayer
: to ask God to care for and protect (someone or something)
: to provide (a person, place, etc.) with something good or desirable
blessed \ˈblest\ also blest \ˈblest\ bless·ing
Full Definition of BLESS
transitive verb
1
: to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
2
: to hallow with the sign of the cross
3
: to invoke divine care for <bless your heart> —used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
5
: to confer prosperity or happiness upon
See bless defined for English-language learners
See bless defined for kids
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Origin of BLESS
Middle English, from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration
Related to BLESS
- Synonyms
- consecrate, hallow, sacralize, sanctify
- Antonyms
- deconsecrate, desacralize, desanctify
Other Christian Religious Terms
BLEST Defined for Kids
bless
verb \ˈbles\
blessed \ˈblest\ also blestbless·ing
Definition of BLESS for Kids
1
: to make holy by a religious ceremony or words <bless an altar>
2
: to ask the favor or protection of God for <Bless the children of the world.> Hint:The phrase bless you is used to wish good health especially to someone who has just sneezed.
3
: to praise or honor as holy <bless the Lord>
4
: to give happiness or good fortune to <He is blessed with good health.>
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