behold

[bih-hohld]

verb (used with object)

beheld, beholding 

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

Other Word Forms

• beholdable adjective
• beholder noun
• unbeholdable 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

As an actor, Fraser’s second act has been a sight to behold.

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Thanks to recent technological developments, the remastered series is a wonder to behold.

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Penelope startled awake to behold a most unexpected scene, in which all three Incorrigibles played prominent roles.

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“Those trying to explain that USC #80 was not a play in the position of a punter has been something to behold,” McAuley wrote.

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It’s the type of technique receivers are trained to do, but it’s still remarkable to behold, especially given the situation, Indiana staring at defeat and a tumble from its No. 2 national ranking.

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