gaze

[ geyz ]

See synonyms for gaze on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),gazed, gaz·ing.

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

noun

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

Origin of gaze

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

synonym study For gaze

1. 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.

Other words from gaze

gazeless, adjective
gazer, noun
gaz·ing·ly, adverb
outgaze, verb (used with object), out·gazed, out·gaz·ing.
un·gaz·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gaze in a sentence

SURUÇ, Turkey—He gazes at the photograph of his daughter Evan on his cellphone as he offers to let me look.
Kobani Still Stands Against ISIS and All Odds. But for How Long? | Jamie Dettmer | October 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A generation of Syrian kids have the far-away gazes of battle-hardened soldiers returning from war.
The Young Girls Escaping the ISIS War | Chandra Kellison | September 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her father gazes back at her happily, tips his hat, and bows with a flourish.
Knocking on Heaven's Door: True Stories of Unexplained, Uncanny Experiences at the Hour of Death | Patricia Pearson | August 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her legs are closed, and her head rests on her left palm as she gazes towards the ground.
A New Book Gives A Rare Glimpse Into The Life of Lucian Freud | Erin Cunningham | October 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Today, Kissell gazes out the window once again at deep snow.
Afghan Men Get Schooled in Women’s Rights | Eliza Griswold | February 27, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

The charcoal drops, and the prisoner, passing his hand across his eyes, gazes bewildered at his own work.
Uncanny Tales | Various
The poor, tearful desire lays a pale hand on reason's lips and gazes wistfully into the mysterious abyss of the Great Silence.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
Among the works of human hands, the traveler gazes with amazement at the ponderous bulk of the pyramids.
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. Ward
But she gazes beyond the salon, back into the big dining hall, where the white crepe myrtle grows.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate Chopin
The young culprit, sitting quite still under her brilliant canopy, looks about her and gazes at earth and sky.
Child Life In Town And Country | Anatole France

British Dictionary definitions for gaze

gaze

/ (ɡeɪz) /

verb

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

noun

a fixed look; stare

Origin of gaze

C14: from Swedish dialect gasa to gape at

Derived forms of gaze

gazer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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