v.
Pronunciation: ' bles
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: blessed \ ' blest \ also blest \ ' blest \ ; bless · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bl ē tsian, from bl ō d blood; from the use of blood in consecration
Date: before 12th century
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
4 a : PRAISE , GLORIFY < bless his holy name> b : to speak well of : APPROVE
5 : to confer prosperity or happiness upon
6 archaic : PROTECT , PRESERVE
7 : ENDOW , FAVOR < bless ed with athletic ability>