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

Today, its architectural importance is recognised in the Grade II* listed status bestowed upon the building's first-floor galleries.

From BBC

The awards and honors bestowed on Jones were nearly mind-bending.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time the final whistle sounded, an aching Pregnon was asked to brandish the sword and lead the USC band, an honor often bestowed upon the game’s most critical player.

From Los Angeles Times

He has already bestowed the first few checks and expanded the sweepstakes to signers from the other key electoral battlegrounds, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

From Los Angeles Times

There have been various city honours bestowed on him.

From BBC

Related Words

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