gaze

[geyz]

verb (used without object)

gazed, gazing 

1. to look steadily and intently, as with great curiosity, interest, pleasure, or wonder.

noun

1. a steady or intent look.

2. Heraldry.,  at gaze, (of a deer or deerlike animal) represented as seen from the side with the head looking toward the spectator.

   a stag at gaze.

gaze

/ ɡeɪz /

verb

1. (intr) to look long and fixedly, esp in wonder or admiration

noun

1. a fixed look; stare

Other Word Forms

• gazeless adjective
• gazer noun
• gazingly adverb
• outgaze verb (used with object)
• ungazing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaze¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English gasen; compare Norwegian, Swedish (dialect) gasa “to look”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaze¹

C14: from Swedish dialect gasa to gape at

Synonym Study

Gaze, stare, gape suggest looking fixedly at something. To gaze is to look steadily and intently at something, especially at that which excites admiration, curiosity, or interest: to gaze at scenery, at a scientific experiment. To stare is to gaze with eyes wide open, as from surprise, wonder, alarm, stupidity, or impertinence: to stare unbelievingly or rudely. Gape is a word with uncomplimentary connotations; it suggests open-mouthed, often ignorant or rustic wonderment or curiosity: to gape at a tall building or a circus parade.

Example Sentences

The biggest obstacle, however, to a spectacular night of meteor gazing is cloud.

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The tree-lined street that ran beside it was once a favourite place for courting couples, eager to avoid Gaza's socially conservative gaze.

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Every expression is judged through a gaze that demands docility.

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By 2021, as they pushed west, they landed at South Tufa, where tourists congregate to gaze at the limestone columns.

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Mr Rosenberg said when he looked he saw the man "gazing into the synagogue".

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