behold

American  

[bih-hohld] / bɪˈhoʊld /

verb (used with object)

beheld, beholding

1. to observe; look at; see.

   Synonyms:

   discern, watch, view, regard

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interjection

1. look; see.

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

behold British  

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to look (at); observe

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Other Word Forms

• beholdable adjective
• beholder noun
• unbeholdable adjective

Etymology

Origin of behold

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

Example Sentences

Fact: The speed, power, and precision of U.S. air and naval power is indeed something to behold.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Even when her film is utterly befuddling, it’s a joy to behold.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

"And lo and behold, 12 hours later we had the rough version of this thing."

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

"Lo and behold, it stripped synapses off neurons," Shatz said -- quite a surprise for a molecule researchers had previously thought had no function at all.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

I looked up, and lo and behold, what did I see?

From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo