Bless
/blɛs/noun
To consecrate or sanctify by a religious rite or utterance.
Did you know?The word 'bless' originates from a Proto-Germanic term that means 'to mark with blood', hinting at its connections to ancient rites and sacrifices.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
blōþa
“blood, a symbol of life and sacrifice”
Old English
OE
blēdsian
“to consecrate or mark with blood”
Old English
OE
blēds
“blessing, a sacred mark or act of consecration”
Middle English
ME
blesse
“to make holy, to invoke divine favor”
Modern English
English
bless
“to invoke divine favor or protection upon someone or something.”