Definition of BENEDICTION

benediction

Meanings

Plural: benedictions

Noun

  • the act of praying for divine protection
  • a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
  • A short invocation for help, blessing and guidance from God, said on behalf of another person or persons (sometimes at the end of a church worship service).
  • In the Anglican church, the ceremony used to institute an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.
  • A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.
  • Help, good fortune or reward from God or another supernatural source.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English benediccion, from Ecclesiastical Latin benedictio, benedictionis, from benedictus (“blessed; well spoken of”). Doublet of benison.

Synonyms

blessing, grace

Antonyms

malediction

Scrabble Score: 16

benediction is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
benediction is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
benediction is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

benediction is a valid Words With Friends word