Squint
As a Verb
- To partially close the eyes to see more clearly or due to bright light.
- To look at something with difficulty or suspicion.
- (Medical) To have a condition where the eyes do not align properly (strabismus).
As a Noun
- The action of narrowing the eyes.
- (Medical) A condition where the eyes are misaligned (strabismus).
Word History
The word squint likely comes from Middle English asquint, meaning “at an angle” or “obliquely.” It originally described looking sideways or indirectly before evolving to include narrowing the eyes to focus.
Examples
- (Verb) She squinted at the tiny text to read it.
- (Verb) He squinted into the sunlight as he stepped outside.
- (Noun) Her squint showed she was struggling to see the sign.
- (Noun) The doctor diagnosed the child with a slight squint in one eye.
Synonyms
Narrow eyes, peer, glance, strain, scrutinize
Related Words
Glimpse, peer, focus, frown
Antonyms
Wide-eyed, stare, gaze, look clearly
