praise

¹praise

verb \ˈprāz\

praisedprais·ing

Definition of PRAISE

transitive verb

1

: to express a favorable judgment of : commend

2

: to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

intransitive verb

: to express praise

— prais·er noun

Examples of PRAISE

1. Critics praised her as both an actor and director.
2. A good teacher praises students when they do well.
3. We praise God for your safe arrival.
4. People gather in churches to praise the Lord.

Origin of PRAISE

Middle English preisen, from Anglo-French preiser, priser to appraise, esteem — more at prize

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PRAISE

Synonyms

bless, carol, celebrate, emblazon, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, resound

Antonyms

knock, pan, slam

Related Words

adore, belaud, deify, idolize, worship; acclaim, applaud, commend, compliment, hail, renown, salute; chant, cheer, eulogize, rhapsodize; cite; flatter; crack up, recommend, tout

Near Antonyms

blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate; criticize, reprove; admonish, chide, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; castigate, lambaste (or lambast)

Rhymes with PRAISE

baize, blaze, braise, braze, chaise, craze, days, daze, faze, fraise, gaze, glaze, graze, Hays, haze, lase, laze, maize, Mays, maze, phase, phrase, raise, raze, vase, ways

²praise

noun

Definition of PRAISE

1

a : an expression of approval : commendation

b : worship

2

a : value, merit

b archaic : one that is praised

Examples of PRAISE

1. He deserves praise for the way he's handled this crisis.
2. “Good job” is high praise coming from her. She rarely compliments anyone's work.
3. I have nothing but praise for the hospital staff.
4. People gathered in the church to sing praises to the Lord.

First Known Use of PRAISE

14th century