Squint

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /skwɪnt/

Definitions

1. To exert a slight narrowing of the eyes for improved sight due to dim light or to appear less focused on the clarity of an image
2. The action of tightening the eyelids to better perceive objects in conditions of strong light or to clarify blurred visuals
3. To look at something with eyes partly closed, often to reduce bright light or improve focus; to possess an eye condition where the eyes are misaligned, causing them to look in different directions

Etymology: "Squint" is a shortening of "asquint," an older English word meaning "obliquely" or "with a sidelong glance." The "a-" at the front is an old prefix that appears in many words of Middle English origin, such as "aside" and "ajar," and it gives "asquint" the sense of something turned away from the straight line of sight. Over time the prefix dropped away, leaving the shorter "squint" to carry the same idea. Its noun sense, a look made by directing the eyes sideways or crosswise, came first, and the verb sense of narrowing the eyes followed from it. Today the verb usually describes half-closing the eyes against bright light or in an effort to see clearly, while the older sense of looking askance survives in the expression "to squint at" something.

Synonyms: peer, glance, squint at

Antonyms: gaze, stare