behold

[ bih-hohld ]

verb (used with object)

, be·held, be·hold·ing.

1. to observe; look at; see.

   Synonyms: discern, watch, view, regard

interjection

1. look; see:

   And, behold, three sentries of the King did appear.

behold

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to look (at); observe

Derived Forms

• beˈholder, noun

Other Words From

• be·hold·a·ble adjective
• be·hold·er noun
• un·be·hold·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behold¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English beholden, Old English behaldan “to keep”; be-, hold ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of behold¹

Old English bihealdan ; related to Old High German bihaltan , Dutch behouden ; see be- , hold

Example Sentences

To look at her in tears was to behold the enormity of her loss.

From The Daily Beast

A Gaylard Williams Sunday sermon (which lasted for 45 minutes on average) was something to behold.

From The Daily Beast

They were there to put on a show and deliver a message: behold, we are a technological power with which to be reckoned!

From The Daily Beast

Even by the already money-drenched standards of American politics, the Eldridge campaign was a jaw-dropping spectacle to behold.

From The Daily Beast

And lo and behold, she was determined to sink the mining industry, and we were determined to fight for our community.

From The Daily Beast

Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.

From Project Gutenberg

Prepare the table, behold in the watchtower them that eat and drink: arise, ye princes, take up the shield.

From Project Gutenberg

Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

From Project Gutenberg

They that shall see thee, shall turn toward thee, and behold thee.

From Project Gutenberg

Behold a king shall reign in justice, and princes shall rule in judgment.

From Project Gutenberg