mitzvah

mitz-vah · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A commandment or precept in Jewish law, derived from the Torah.

  2. 2.

    A good deed or meritorious act, especially one done out of religious duty.

Forms

plural: mitzvahs, mitzvot

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bar mitzvah — A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys at age 13
  • •
    bat mitzvah — A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for girls at age 12 or 13

Related words

See also: Torah, blessing, commandment
Synonyms: blessing, commandment, good deed

Etymology

From Hebrew mitswah ("commandment, precept"), from the root tsawah ("to command"). The word entered English in the 17th century through Yiddish.