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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

And a rising oil price adds to inflation, especially for energy importers—behold South Korea’s 16% stock plunge this past week.

From Barron's

And a rising oil price adds to inflation, especially for energy importers—behold South Korea’s 16% stock plunge this past week.

From Barron's

There is a particular thrill in beholding a portrait as old and as lifelike as Isidora’s, just over a foot in height and 6 inches wide.

From The Wall Street Journal