gaze

gaze · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To look steadily and intently at something, especially with admiration, wonder, or thought.

  2. 2.

    (as a noun) A steady, intent look.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gaze into the distance — to look far away, often thoughtfully
  • •
    avert one's gaze — to look away deliberately
  • •
    hold someone's gaze — to maintain eye contact
  • •
    the male gaze — the way visual arts depict women from a masculine viewpoint

Related words

Antonyms: glance, glimpse
See also: look, peer, stare, watch
Synonyms: gape, look, peer, stare

Etymology

From Middle English gasen, possibly of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish dialectal gasa ("to stare"). First recorded in the 14th century.