English · Word Candidate

gaze

/ɡeɪz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: gazes · gazing · gazed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To stare intently or earnestly.

Verb

Examples

They gazed at the stars for hours.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To stare at.

Verb

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A fixed look; a look of eagerness, wonder, or admiration; a continued look of attention.

Noun

Examples

Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, martinet as he was, felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her alluring smile; he could not tell what this prisoner might do.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

In Lacanian psychoanalysis, the relationship of the subject with the desire to look and awareness that one can be viewed.

Noun

Examples

She counters the tendency to focus on critical strategies of resisting the male gaze, raising the issue of the female spectator.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “gaze” mean?

To stare intently or earnestly.

Is “gaze” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.