Definition of blink

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blinker >

blink    (blngk) KEY 

VERB:
blinked, blink·ing, blinks
VERB:
intr.

1. To close and open one or both of the eyes rapidly.
2. To look through half-closed eyes, as in a bright glare; squint.
3. To shine with intermittent gleams; flash on and off.
4. 1. To be startled or dismayed.
   2. To waver or back down, as in a contest of wills: "This was the first genuine, direct confrontation between this administration and the Soviets. It was the U.S.A. that blinked" (Zbigniew Brzezinski).
5. To look with feigned ignorance: a mayor who blinks at the corruption in city government.

VERB:
tr.

1. To cause to blink.
2. To hold back or remove from the eyes by blinking: blinked back the tears.
3. To refuse to recognize or face: blink ugly facts.
4. To transmit (a message) with a flashing light.

NOUN:

1. The act or an instance of rapidly closing and opening the eyes or an eye.
2. An instant: I'll be back in a blink.
3. Scots A quick look or glimpse; a glance.
4. A flash of light; a twinkle.
5. See iceblink.

IDIOM:
on the blink

Out of working order.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Probably Middle English blinken, to move suddenly, variant of blenchen ; see blench¹

SYNONYMS:
blink, nictitate, twinkle, wink

These verbs mean to open and close the eyelids or an eyelid rapidly: a dog blinking lazily at the fire; reptiles nictitating; twinkled, then laughed and responded; winked conspiratorially at his friend.