haze

¹

[heyz]

noun

1. an aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors.

2. vagueness or obscurity, as of the mind or perception; confused or vague thoughts, feelings, etc..

   The victims were still in a haze and couldn't describe the accident.

verb (used with or without object)

hazed, hazing 

1. to make or become hazy.

haze

²

[heyz]

verb (used with object)

hazed, hazing 

1. to subject (freshmen, newcomers, etc.) to abusive or humiliating tricks and ridicule.

2. Chiefly Nautical.,  to harass with unnecessary or disagreeable tasks.

haze

¹

/ heɪz /

noun

1. meteorol

   1. reduced visibility in the air as a result of condensed water vapour, dust, etc, in the atmosphere

   2. the moisture or dust causing this

2. obscurity of perception, feeling, etc

verb

1. to make or become hazy

haze

²

/ heɪz /

verb

1. to subject (fellow students) to ridicule or abuse

2. nautical to harass with humiliating tasks

Other Word Forms

• hazeless adjective
• hazer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of haze¹

First recorded in 1700–10; perhaps noun use of unattested Middle English hase; Old English hasu, variant of haswa “ashen, dusky”; hazy, hare

Origin of haze²

First recorded in 1670–80, haze is from the Middle French word haser to irritate, annoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of haze¹

C18: back formation from _hazy

Origin of haze²

C17: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

see in a fog (haze).

Synonym Study

See cloud.

Example Sentences

I entered menopause, and my new brain fog only added to the haze.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Labor Department’s release Thursday of the belated September jobs report reduced the haze, and despite signs of slowing, the U.S. economy isn’t barreling toward a cliff.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Was she, too, living in a haze of hope?

Read more on Literature

Before drone surveys, it was nearly impossible to grasp the site's structure from ground level or even from nearby hills because of the persistent coastal haze.

Read more on Science Daily

Dozens of protesters rallied in New Delhi on Sunday to demand government action on toxic air, as a thick haze containing dangerous microparticles shrouded the Indian capital.

Read more on Barron's

When To Use

What else does haze mean?

Haze is a noun or adjective referring to a type of LSD (acid) or marijuana ... typically purple haze.Hazing, on the other hand, is an initiation ritual where people are subjected to all kinds of cruel and unusual tasks or humiliations.