v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. express gratitude to (thanked him for the present).
2 hold responsible (you can thank yourself for that).
--n. (in pl.)
1. gratitude (expressed his heartfelt thanks).
2 an expression of gratitude (give thanks to Heaven).
3 (as a formula) thank you (thanks for your help; thanks very much).
Phrases and idioms:
give thanks say grace at a meal. I will thank you a polite formula, now usu. iron. implying reproach (I will thank you to go away). no (or small) thanks to despite. thank goodness (or God or heavens etc.)
1. colloq. an expression of relief or pleasure.
2 an expression of pious gratitude. thank-offering an offering made as an act of thanksgiving. thanks to as the (good or bad) result of (thanks to my foresight; thanks to your obstinacy). thank you a polite formula acknowledging a gift or service or an offer accepted or refused. thank-you n. colloq. an instance of expressing thanks.
Etymology: OE thancian, thanc f. Gmc, rel. to THINK