/ preɪz; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun [ U ]
1.
(also less frequent praises [ pl. ]) words that show approval of or admiration for sb/sth :
His teachers are full of praise for the progress he's making.
She wrote poems in praise of freedom.
His latest movie has won high praise from the critics.
We have nothing but praise for the way they handled the investigation.
The team coach singled out two players for special praise.
She left with their praises ringing in her ears.
They always sing his praises (= praise him very highly) .
2.
the expression of worship to God :
hymns / songs of praise
Praise be (to God)! (= expressing belief or joy)
•
IDIOMS
see damn verb
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
praise sb/sth (for sth) | praise sb/sth (as sth) to express your approval or admiration for sb/sth
SYN compliment :
She praised his cooking.
He praised his team for their performance.
Critics praised the work as highly original.
2.
to express your thanks to or your respect for God :
Praise the Lord.
Allah be praised.
•
IDIOMS
- praise sb/sth to the skies
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (also in the sense set a price on, attach value to ): from Old French preisier to prize, praise, from late Latin pretiare , from Latin pretium price. Compare with prize .