Gawking: meaning, definitions and examples

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gawking

 

[ gษ”หkษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

staring in amazement

Gawking refers to the act of staring openly and stupidly at something or someone, often in disbelief, surprise, or curiosity. This behavior can be perceived as impolite or disrespectful, especially when it involves staring at people in a way that makes them uncomfortable. People might gawk at something unusual, shocking, or fascinating, which can cause a spectacle or draw attention. The term is often associated with a lack of discretion, as gawked individuals might not care about maintaining decorum.

Synonyms

gape, ogling, stare

Examples of usage

  • He was gawking at the famous celebrity walking by.
  • Tourists were gawking at the stunning architecture of the ancient building.
  • She caught him gawking at her outfit during the party.

Translations

Translations of the word "gawking" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น encarar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅ‚เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช starren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ melotot

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะณะปัะดะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gapiฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ˜ใ‚ใ˜ใ‚่ฆ‹ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉvisager

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mirar fijamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dikkatle bakmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ณ๋‹ค๋ณด๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุญุฏู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zรญrat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hฤพadieลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็›ฏ็€็œ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ strmeti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stara

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒงแƒฃแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baxmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mirar fijamente

Etymology

The word 'gawk' has its roots in the late 19th century, derived from the Scottish dialect term 'gawk' or 'gawky,' meaning to stare stupidly. It is thought to be an onomatopoeic creation, mimicking the sound of someone gasping or exclamatory response of surprise. The verb form 'gawk' evolved to encompass a broader meaning beyond mere staring, signifying a sense of awe or astonishment. Over time, variations of the word have spread into common usage, particularly in informal contexts, while retaining its original association with wide-eyed, foolish admiration or curiosity. The noun form 'gawking' materialized as a descriptor for the act itself, solidifying its place in the English lexicon as a representation of bewildered observation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,673 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.