gaze

Formsgazes, gazing, gazed

Pluralgazes

1. 1
   verbintransitive

   To look at something for a long time, often with great interest.

   Like watching a fire and not wanting to look away.

   The children gaze at the animals through the thick glass.

   She gazed out the window for nearly an hour.

   Similarstare, gape, look, peer

   Oppositeglance

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A long, steady look, often full of interest or wonder.

   Like a spotlight that stays pointed at one spot.

   Her gaze stayed on the painting for a long time.

   The baby followed every move with a steady gaze.

   Similarstare, look

   Oppositeglance, glimpse

   Note
3. 3
   verbliterarytransitive

   To look at someone or something with a long, fixed stare.

   Strait toward Heav'n my wondring Eyes I turnd, / And gaz'd a while the ample Skie

   1667, John Milton, Paradise LostHere, gaz'd means looked at with a long, fixed stare.

   I searched for form and land For years and years I roamed I gazed a gazeless stare.

   1970, David Bowie, The Man Who Sold the WorldHere, gazed means looked with a long, fixed stare.

   Similarbehold, regard, contemplate, eye

   Note
4. 4
   noun

   In one area of psychology, the wish to look at others while also knowing others can see you.

   Like looking at someone and suddenly realizing they can see you looking.

   The gaze makes us aware that while we look at others, they can look at us too.

   Her essay explores how the gaze shapes the way we see ourselves.

   Note

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