gaz´er

gaze «gayz», verb, gazed, gaz|ing, noun.

–v.i.

to look long and steadily: »

Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven (Acts 1:11). The mute rapture with which he would gaze upon her in company (Washington Irving).

–v.t.

to look long and steadily at: »

Straight toward heaven my wondering eyes I turn'd, And gazed awhile the ample sky (Milton).

–n.

a long, steady look: »

With secret gaze Or open admiration behold him (Milton).

╂[compare Scandinavian (dialectal Norwegian) gasa]

–gaz´er, noun.

–gaze´less, adjective.

Synonym Study intransitive verb. Gaze, stare mean to look long and steadily at someone or something. Gaze emphasizes looking steadily and intently, chiefly in wonder, delight, or interest: »

For hours he sat gazing at the stars.

Stare emphasizes looking steadily and directly at someone or something or off into space, chiefly in curiosity, rudeness, surprise, or stupidity: »

The child stared at the stranger for a few minutes before answering his question.