bless

bless

S3 [bles] v [T]

[: Old English; Origin: bletsian, from blod 'blood'; because blood was used in religious ceremonies]

1.) bless you!

spoken

a) what you say when someone ↑sneezes

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 sth

to have a special ability, good quality etc

▪ Fortunately 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