n. 1 a (in many religions) a superhuman being or spirit worshipped as having power over nature, human fortunes, etc.; a deity. b an image, idol, animal, or other object worshipped as divine or symbolizing a god. 2 (God) (in Christian and other monotheistic religions) the creator and ruler of the universe; the supreme being. 3 a an adored, admired, or influential person. b something worshipped like a god (makes a god of success). 4 Theatr. (in pl.) a the gallery. b the people sitting in it. 5 (God!) an exclamation of surprise, anger, etc. by God! an exclamation of surprise etc. for God's sake! see SAKE(1). God-awful sl. extremely unpleasant, nasty, etc. God bless an expression of good wishes on parting. God bless me (or my soul) see BLESS. God damn (you, him , etc.) may (you etc.) be damned. god-damn (or -dam or -damned) sl. accursed, damnable. god-daughter a female godchild. God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (in the Christian tradition) the Persons of the Trinity. God-fearing earnestly religious. God forbid (foll. by that + clause, or absol.) may it not happen! God-forsaken devoid of all merit; dismal; dreary. God grant (foll. by that + clause) may it happen. God help (you, him , etc.) an expression of concern for or sympathy with a person. God knows 1 it is beyond all knowledge (God knows what will become of him). 2 I call God to witness that (God knows we tried hard enough). God's Acre a churchyard. God's book the Bible. God's gift often iron. a godsend. God's own country an earthly paradise, esp. the United States. God squad sl. 1 a religious organization, esp. an evangelical Christian group. 2 its members. God's truth the absolute truth. God willing if Providence allows. good God! an exclamation of surprise, anger, etc. in God's name an appeal for help. my (or oh) God! an exclamation of surprise, anger, etc. play God assume importance or superiority. thank God! an exclamation of pleasure or relief. with God dead and in Heaven. godhood n. godship n. godward adj. & adv. godwards adv.
[ OE f. Gmc ]