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

• gazer noun
• gazeless adjective
• 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

No. But he’s the symbol of Springsteen here, and he captures the star’s flinty gaze and rock ‘n’ roll rasp while performing the songs, bringing his own intense soulfulness to the role.

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The film draws to a climax that is different from the original play, drawing on Thompson’s unique abilities to hold the camera’s gaze with her own.

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The soft flesh of her cheeks and mouth contrasts with her firm chin, and her knowing, distant gaze contains a hint of melancholy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The seven-hour drive was stretched when they doubled back at the California border after gazing upon the state’s abhorrent gas prices.

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I crouch on the floor and ruthlessly Google image search nearly every piece, sweating profusely under the flimsy output of a nearby fan and the confused gaze of the guy behind the counter.

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