Bless (Verb)
Meaning 1
Make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate.
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The priest raised his hand to bless the people gathered at the ceremony.
- She made the sign of the cross over her child to bless him before bed.
- The bishop came to bless the new church after its renovation was complete.
- Before each meal, the family held hands for their father to bless the food.
- As the couple exchanged their vows, the minister raised his hand to bless their union.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Confer prosperity or happiness on.
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- May God bless our family with good health and prosperity.
- The beautiful weather will bless our outdoor wedding with perfect conditions.
- The rich soil and adequate rainfall will bless the crops with bountiful harvests.
- Her talents and dedication will bless the world with countless works of art.
- The charity's efforts will bless thousands of underprivileged children with better education.
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Render holy by means of religious rites.
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The high priest began the ceremony to bless the newly built temple with sacred water and prayers.
- In many cultures, newborns are taken to the church to be blessed by the clergy.
- The shaman conducted a ritual to bless the land before the harvest season began.
- Members of the spiritual community gathered to bless the sacred spring with offerings and songs.
- The Archbishop laid his hands on the altar to bless the bread and wine before communion.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 4
Give a benediction to; "The dying man blessed his son".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The dying man blessed his son with a tender smile and a final word of wisdom.
- Before departing, the bishop blessed the newlyweds with a benediction for a happy marriage.
- As the crowd gathered, the elderly priest blessed the land with a solemn prayer.
- In her final act of kindness, she blessed the orphan with a large inheritance.
- On her deathbed, the mother blessed her daughter with a gentle touch and a warm smile.