blink

blink · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Shut and open the eyes quickly.

  2. 2.

    (Of a light) flash on and off.

  3. 3.

    Show surprise or concern (usually used in negative).

  4. 4.

    An act of blinking; a quick closing and opening of the eye.

  5. 5.

    A brief flash of light.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in the blink of an eye — Very quickly.
  • •
    on the blink — Not working properly (informal).
  • •
    not blink an eye — Show no reaction.
  • •
    blink first — Back down in a confrontation.
  • •
    blink and you'll miss it — Very brief or fast.

Related words

Antonyms: gaze, stare
See also: eye, flash, wink
Synonyms: flash, flutter, wink

Etymology

From Middle English blinken ("to blink, shine"), related to Middle Dutch blinken ("to glitter").