benediction

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.

Examples

a parting benediction
the nuptial benediction
to pronounce / give / say the benediction

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

Words With Friends Score: 20

benediction: valid Words With Friends Word