leering

[leer-ing]

adjective

1. indicating lewd, sly, or malicious intent.

   He regarded her with a leering grin as she walked slowly up the path.

2. having a lewd, sly, or malicious look.

   The massive door, with a leering gargoyle for a knocker, lent the scene an air of unreality.

Other Word Forms

• leeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of leering¹

leer ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The final shot is one of the most foreboding in Hollywood history, with Nazis in uniform reflected in the cabaret’s distorted mirror, leering from the VIP seats at the front of the stage.

From Salon

But when she played the early solo cut “Money” too, a leering rap banger, she showed she’s always had this in her.

From Los Angeles Times

Guiraudie celebrates the frivolity of a steamy glance or a leering gaze, and “Misericordia” is no different, which is precisely why it’s such an exciting venture in the realm of contemporary queer filmmaking.

From Salon

She did nothing to stop him from leeringly telling one participant that she has a "beautiful voice."

From Salon

There are T-shirts, phones, watches, furniture, clocks, slippers, tents, wallets, trading cards, eye shadow and roller skates with Garfield’s leering image.

From New York Times