Entry Word: bless

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to make holy through prayers or ritual <the priest blessed the water, thus allowing it to be used as holy water for various rites>

Synonyms consecrate, hallow, sanctify

Related Words cleanse, purify; commit, dedicate, devote; reconsecrate

Near Antonyms defile, desecrate, profane; dirty, foul, pollute, soil, taint; curse, damn, execrate; cast out, condemn, damn, punish

2 to proclaim the glory of <bless the name of God> — see praise 1