behold

be-hold · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (literary/archaic) See or observe (someone or something, especially something remarkable).

  2. 2.

    Used as an interjection to call attention to something remarkable.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lo and behold — Used to express surprise at something unexpected.
  • •
    a sight to behold — Something impressive or remarkable to see.
  • •
    beholden to — Indebted or obligated to (related word).

Related words

Antonyms: ignore, overlook
See also: beholder, observe, see, witness
Synonyms: gaze upon, observe, see, view, witness

Etymology

From Old English behealdan ("to hold, keep, watch, observe"), from be- + healdan ("to hold"). The sense shifted from "hold in view" to "look at."