Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - praise

~1 v 1 to say that you admire and approve of someone or something, especially publicly  (The play was praised by the critics when it was first shown on Broadway. | praise sb/sth for sth)  (The Mayor praised the rescue team for their courage. | praise sb/sth highly)  (a highly praised novel | praise sb/sth to the skies (=to praise someone or something very much)) 2 to give thanks to God and show your respect to him, especially by singing in a church 3 God/Heaven be praised also Praise the Lord used to say that you are pleased something has happened and thank God for it ~2 n 1 words that you say or write in order to praise someone or something  (be full of praise for (=praise something a lot))  (Mrs. George was full of praise for her nurses' caring attitude. | high praise (=a lot of praise))  (Bork received high praise for his efforts to cut spending. | win praise (=receive praise))  (The film has won praise from audiences and critics alike.) 2 the expression of respect and thanks to God  (Let us give praise unto the Lord.) 3 praise be! old-fashioned used when you are very pleased about something that has happened  (- see also sing sb's praises sing (5))