Definition (Oxford Dictionary): Show approval or praise by clapping

Example:

The boss applauded my efforts by praising my work. 老板表扬了我的工作，对我的努力表示赞许。

Definition (Oxford Dictionary): 1. Strike the palms of (one's hands) together repeatedly, typically in order to applaud someone or something. 2. Slap (someone) encouragingly on the back or shoulder.

Example:

clap sb. 为某人鼓掌
    clap sth. 拍打某物

I was about to clap as well, when car headlights from the driveway suddenly arced across the room.我也正要鼓掌，这时私人车道上突然划过一道汽车的灯光，形成弧形掠过房间。

Definition (Oxford Dictionary): 1. Praise formally or officially. 2. Present as suitable for approval or acceptance; recommend. 3. Entrust someone or something to.

Example:

The teacher commended the student for doing well on the exam. 老师表扬学生们的考试成绩优异。

Definition (Oxford Dictionary): 1. Express warm approval or admiration of. 2. Express one's respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song.

Example:

A supervisor praised the employee for her good work. 一位主管称赞这位员工的工作做得不错。

Survivors of the crash praised God for saving them. 坠机事件的幸存者赞颂上帝使他们得救。