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”; see be-, hold ¹

Explanation

To behold is to see. You could behold the changing sky as the sun sets. It’s old-fashioned and fancy, so magicians like to use it, as in “Behold! I shall pull a rabbit out of my hat!” Have you ever heard "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"? That can help you remember that to behold is to see something and to hold it in your attention. To behold is to look intensely — it’s much more than a glance. A good example of beholding is when you take the time to check out something special like that beautiful sunset, or a bunny hopping out of a hat and handing out candy.

Example Sentences

Behold, the most beautiful big car I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I’ve laid my eyes on plenty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Behold: Slate’s unofficial guide to 2023’s biggest winners and losers, debased jokers, and most valuable players.

From Slate • Dec. 27, 2023

Behold: A new book by a longtime national talk radio host was ranked No. 1 on Amazon before it was even published.

From Washington Times • Sep. 18, 2023

In preparation for the next installment of Behold for Juneteenth, spotlighting mental health in Black L.A., we spoke to a WalkGood yoga class about how they’ve sought healing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2023

“My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills!”

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein