behold

[ bih-hohld ]

verb (used with object)

, be·held, be·hold·ing.

1. to observe; look at; see.

   Synonyms: discern, watch, view, regard

interjection

1. look; see:

   And, behold, three sentries of the King did appear.

behold

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to look (at); observe

Derived Forms

• beˈholder, noun

Other Words From

• be·hold·a·ble adjective
• be·hold·er noun
• un·be·hold·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behold¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English beholden, Old English behaldan “to keep”; be-, hold ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of behold¹

Old English bihealdan ; related to Old High German bihaltan , Dutch behouden ; see be- , hold

Example Sentences

It’s perfunctory but it is less than joyful to behold.

From Salon

They also have what Schapker calls “a shared approach to the craft that was very exciting to behold.”

From Los Angeles Times

The obsequiousness of politicians before the wealthy is a thing to behold.

From Salon

Lo and behold, despite Roberts’ plan to give Treinen only one more batter, circumstances changed when Stanton popped up on the first pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

He and countless others who had tuned in via social media beheld the flames with awe as they silhouetted a seemingly doomed ski lift terminal.

From Los Angeles Times