blear

[ bleer ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dim, as with tears or inflammation:

   a biting wind that bleared the vision.

adjective

1. (of the eyes) dim from tears.
2. dim; indistinct.

noun

1. a blur; cloudiness; dimness:

   She was concerned about the recent blear in her vision.

blear

/ blɪə /

verb

1. tr to make (eyes or sight) dim with or as if with tears; blur

adjective

1. a less common word for bleary

Other Words From

• blear·ed·ness [bleer, -id-nis], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blear¹

1250–1300; Middle English bleri, blere (v.), blere (adj.) < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of blear¹

C13: blere to make dim; related to Middle High German blerre blurred vision

Example Sentences

But the whole place has through the day-time a blear-eyed, a drunk-over-night appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

And the blear-eyed merchant wrote and sealed and filed and took no notice of his customers.

From Project Gutenberg

It is this that makes them blear-eyed, and even uglier than Nature intended them to be.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the stouthearted Captain and the faithful mate, blear-eyed and haggard from loss of sleep, were filled with wonder.

From Project Gutenberg

A blear-eyed, unsteady individual, whom Bart recognized as a member of the Sharp Corner contingent, advanced to the table.

From Project Gutenberg