To assume a posture of prayer by putting the hands together; to show reverence before a deity, statue, or at a shrine/altar.
初詣で神社に行って手を合わせて拝んだ。
I went to the shrine for the New Year visit and prayed with my hands together.
母は毎朝仏壇の前で家族の健康を拝んでいる。
My mother prays for the family's health every morning in front of the household altar.
戦地から無事に帰るように彼は祈りながら拝んだ。
He prayed and offered his respects, wishing to return safely from the front.
To beg or make a supplication; to implore someone earnestly, often by pleading.
彼はもう一度チャンスをくれるように社長に拝んだ。
He begged the president to give him another chance.
お願いだから許してと彼女は泣きながら拝んだ。
She tearfully begged, 'Please forgive me.'
借金を返せるようにと家族の前で拝んだ。
He begged (prayed) before his family to be able to repay the debt.
In humble language, to see or behold someone of high status or a revered figure; in modern usage it can also be used sarcastically or exaggeratedly.
まだ先生の前で直接お話を拝む機会はありません。
I haven't yet had the opportunity to speak directly with the teacher (humble).
社員はまるでVIPを拝むように社長に接していた（皮肉）。
The employees treated the president as if they were worshipping a VIP (sarcastic).
彼は長年尊敬する作家の姿をようやく拝むことができた。
After many years he was finally able to behold a writer he admired.