–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.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.