squint

[ skwint ]

verb (used without object)

1. to look with the eyes partly closed.
2. Ophthalmology. to be affected with strabismus; be cross-eyed.
3. to look or glance obliquely or sidewise; look askance.
4. to make or have an indirect reference to or bearing on; tend or incline toward (usually followed by toward, at, etc.).

verb (used with object)

1. to close (the eyes) partly in looking:

   The baby squinted his eyes at the bright lights.

2. to cause to squint; cause to look obliquely.

noun

1. an act or instance of squinting.
2. Ophthalmology. a condition of the eye consisting in noncoincidence of the optic axes; strabismus.
3. Informal. a quick glance:

   Let me have a squint at that paper.

4. a looking obliquely or askance.
5. an indirect reference.
6. an inclination or tendency, especially an oblique or perverse one.
7. Also called hagioscope. (in a church) a small opening in a wall giving a view of the altar.

adjective

1. looking obliquely; looking with a side glance; looking askance.
2. Ophthalmology. (of the eyes) affected with strabismus.

squint

/ skwɪnt /

verb

1. usually intr to cross or partly close (the eyes)
2. intr to have a squint
3. intr to look or glance sideways or askance

noun

1. the nontechnical name for strabismus
2. the act or an instance of squinting; glimpse
3. Also calledhagioscope a narrow oblique opening in a wall or pillar of a church to permit a view of the main altar from a side aisle or transept
4. informal.
   a quick look; glance

adjective

1. having a squint
2. informal.
   crooked; askew

Derived Forms

• ˈsquinty, adjective
• ˈsquinter, noun

Other Words From

• squint·er noun
• squint·ing·ly adverb
• squint·ing·ness noun
• un·squint·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squint¹

First recorded in 1350–1400 as an adverb “with a squint; askant,” and 1570–80 for adjective senses; Middle English; variant of asquint

Word History and Origins

Origin of squint¹

C14: short for asquint

Example Sentences

Barnes nails Trump’s pursed lips and soft squint without ever descending into mimicry.

From Salon

He looked at me quizzically and squinted: “Isn’t that the guy who wrote ‘L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

A Boston terrier squinted, her left eye cloudy and eyelids red.

From Los Angeles Times

If you squint hard enough, that could look like Trump playing nice with women.

From Salon

But if I squint a little, I am able to see it in a more charitable light.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• peek
• peep