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

Medical doctor and Morning Live expert, Dr. Tharaka has these four tips and a special acronym to help cut through the haze.

From BBC

To the north, a sickly orange haze hung along the horizon, a reminder of the inferno that had reduced parts of their school to a ragged tangle of charred masonry, metal and wood.

From Los Angeles Times

Granted, the many years between his childhood and now haze the picture.

From Salon

The staffer was holding a paintball gun, which is often used to haze bears.

From Los Angeles Times

“That sticks with me. It doesn’t matter what you run. It’s, do they believe in it? Do they trust each other? Is there an environment for growth? We don’t haze. We respect each other.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.