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

Imperious as Perrin is when she is on song - and it really is a sight to behold - she is still searching for consistency.

From BBC

To many first-time viewers of this England team, it was a sight to behold.

From BBC

I didn’t really seem like the prototype for it, but then, lo and behold, the tape made it up there.

From Los Angeles Times

Two wardrobe changes meant that we beheld three glittering gowns in all, beginning with the fluffy canary-yellow number she emerged in.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, behold the latest DHS salvo: a July 23 X post of a 19th century painting by John Gast titled “American Progress.”

From Los Angeles Times