gaze

[ geyz ]

verb (used without object)

, gazed, gaz·ing.

1. to look steadily and intently, as with great curiosity, interest, pleasure, or wonder.

noun

1. a steady or intent look.
2. at gaze, Heraldry. (of a deer or deerlike animal) represented as seen from the side with the head looking toward the spectator:

   a stag at gaze.

gaze

/ ɡeɪz /

verb

1. intr to look long and fixedly, esp in wonder or admiration

noun

1. a fixed look; stare

Derived Forms

• ˈgazer, noun

Other Words From

• gazeless adjective
• gazer noun
• gazing·ly adverb
• outgaze verb (used with object) outgazed outgazing
• un·gazing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaze¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English gasen; compare Norwegian, Swedish (dialect) gasa “to look”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaze¹

C14: from Swedish dialect gasa to gape at

Synonym Study

Gaze, stare, gape suggest looking fixedly at something. To gaze is to look steadily and intently at something, especially at that which excites admiration, curiosity, or interest: to gaze at scenery, at a scientific experiment. To stare is to gaze with eyes wide open, as from surprise, wonder, alarm, stupidity, or impertinence: to stare unbelievingly or rudely. Gape is a word with uncomplimentary connotations; it suggests open-mouthed, often ignorant or rustic wonderment or curiosity: to gape at a tall building or a circus parade.