bestow

[ bih-stoh ]

verb (used with object)

1. to present as a gift; give; confer (usually followed by on or upon ):

   The trophy was bestowed upon the winner.

   Synonyms: accord, award, vouchsafe, grant

2. Archaic. to put to some use; apply:

   He was continually working the mines, expending money and bestowing his time, toil, and skill upon them.

3. Archaic.
   1. to provide quarters for; house; lodge.
   2. to put; stow; deposit; store.

bestow

/ bɪˈstəʊ /

verb

1. to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour)
2. archaic.
   to apply (energy, resources, etc)
3. archaic.
   to house (a person) or store (goods)

Derived Forms

• beˈstower, noun
• beˈstowal, noun

Other Words From

• be·stow·al be·stow·ment noun
• mis·be·stow verb (used with object)
• pre·be·stow verb (used with object)
• pre·be·stow·al noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bestow¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bestowen; be-, stow ( def )

Example Sentences

Whether you’re headed out to trick-or-treat with your family or staying in to bestow candy, “safety is key during the busiest night for porch traffic,” said Mimi Swain, chief commercial officer at Ring.

From Los Angeles Times

The woman told Mungnee the healer could bestow a blessing that would protect her adult son.

From BBC

There is a paradox inherent in laws like this, people told us—they demand recognition that a fetus is a person deserving of a burial but don’t bestow that “personhood” onto stillbirths in a consistent way.

From Slate

Flynn often compares notes with Echo Theater Company artistic director Chris Fields who similarly struggles to get the rights to plays that agents are reluctant to bestow on small L.A. theater companies, no matter how superior they may be to their larger counterparts.

From Los Angeles Times

Higher praise I cannot bestow.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bequeath
• confer
• donate
• entrust
• grant
• hand out
• lavish