Definition of gaze

< gazar

gazebo >

gaze    (gz) KEY 

intr.v.
gazed, gaz·ing, gaz·es

To look steadily, intently, and with fixed attention.

NOUN:

A steady, fixed look.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English gasen, probably of Scandinavian origin

OTHER FORMS:
gazer(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
gaze, stare, gape, gawk, glare¹, peer¹

These verbs mean to look long and intently. Gaze is often indicative of wonder, fascination, awe, or admiration: gazing at the stars. Stare can indicate curiosity, boldness, insolence, or stupidity: stared at them in disbelief. Gape suggests a prolonged open-mouthed look reflecting amazement, awe, or lack of intelligence: tourists gaping at the sights. To gawk is to gape or stare stupidly: Drivers gawked at the disabled truck. To glare is to fix another with a hard, piercing stare: glared furiously at me. To peer is to look narrowly, searchingly, and seemingly with difficulty: peered at us through her glasses.