bless S3 /bles/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: bletsian , from blod 'blood' ; because blood was used in religious ceremonies ]
1 . bless you! spoken
a) what you say when someone ↑ sneeze s
b) used to thank someone for doing something for you
2 . bless (him/her etc) spoken used to show that you are fond of someone, amused by them, or pleased by something they have done:
He’s always willing to help. Bless him!
‘Jess made this card for me.’ ‘Bless!’
3 . be blessed with something to have a special ability, good quality etc:
We’re both blessed with good health.
4 . if God blesses someone or something, he helps and protects them:
May God bless you.
5 . to ask God to protect someone or something:
The couple later had their marriage blessed in their local parish church.
6 . to make something holy:
Then the priest blesses the bread and wine.
7 . bless my soul/I’ll be blessed! old-fashioned spoken used to express surprise