bask

[bask]

verb (used without object)

1. to lie in or be exposed to a pleasant warmth.

   to bask in the sunshine.

2. to enjoy a pleasant situation.

   He basked in royal favor.

verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete.,  to expose to warmth or heat.

bask

/ bɑːsk /

verb

1. to lie in or be exposed to pleasant warmth, esp that of the sun

2. to flourish or feel secure under some benevolent influence or favourable condition

Word History and Origins

Origin of bask¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old Norse bathask “to bathe oneself,” equivalent to bath- bath ¹ + -ask reflexive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of bask¹

C14: from Old Norse bathask to _bathe

Example Sentences

Rumours of Juan Carlos basking in the Edgbaston sun before strolling in from the City End did not go down well in Madrid.

From BBC

He echoed that message as he basked in the elation of Tuesday night's 5-0 triumph.

From BBC

I’d spend hours basking under the sun, popping one lychee after another into my mouth, indulging in their syrupy goodness.

From Salon

White and I are sitting in the sun outside his hotel, basking in the warmth the day after a steady rain.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the first lesson of a sportswriter — don’t worry about the money, bask in the spotlight of having your name appear in a byline.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• laze 
• loll 
• lounge 
• relax 
• sunbathe