bask
[bask, bahsk]
- to lie in or be exposed to a pleasant warmth: to bask in the sunshine.
- to enjoy a pleasant situation: He basked in royal favor.
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- Obsolete. to expose to warmth or heat.
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Origin of bask
1350–1400; Middle English < Old Norse bathask to bathe oneself, equivalent to bath- bath1 + -ask reflexive suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for bask
Contemporary Examples
Five days, also, in which to bask in their own impressive achievements.
He'll talk up his Senate ambitions for awhile, bask in the political limelight, and then stick with his current shtick.
Even on Labor Day, while we bask in the blinding sun one last time.
None of the hoopla seemed to have fazed the Iranian president, who loves to bask in controversy during his U.S. visits.
Allow yourself to bask in the glory of scored achievements, taking a breather from attacking new goals.
Historical Examples
But he will return some day to bask in the countenance of Muene-Motapa.
SacrificeStephen French Whitman
After our long and restless journey, we bask in thy serene light.
It is a happiness and satisfaction to know you, and to bask in the atmosphere of you.
Evening Round UpWilliam Crosbie Hunter
See the very bees and gnats, how they dance and bask in the sunbeams!
True Words for Brave MenCharles Kingsley
We bask in its sunshine, growing strong and happy as we read.
bask
- to lie in or be exposed to pleasant warmth, esp that of the sun
- to flourish or feel secure under some benevolent influence or favourable condition
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Word Origin
C14: from Old Norse bathask to bathe
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for bask
v.
late 14c., basken "to wallow (in blood)," with loss of middle syllable, from Old Norse baðask "to bathe oneself," reflexive of baða "bathe" (see bathe). Modern meaning "soak up a flood of warmth" is apparently due to Shakespeare's use of the word in reference to sunshine in "As You Like It" (1600). Related: Basked; basking.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper