Squint: meaning, definitions and examples

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squint

 

[ skwɪnt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

eye movement

To squint means to partially close one's eyes in order to see more clearly. This action is often taken in response to bright light or to focus on something that is far away. Squinting can help adjust the focus of the eyes when visibility is poor. Additionally, squinting may occur instinctively when someone is trying to perceive finer details or when they are uncertain of what they see.

Synonyms

narrowing, peering, squinting

Examples of usage

  • She squinted at the bright sun.
  • He squinted to read the small print.
  • The bright lights made him squint his eyes.
Context #2 | Noun

eye condition

A squint is also known as strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. One eye may turn in, out, up, or down while the other eye looks straight ahead. This condition can be present from birth or develop over time. Squinting can affect depth perception and can often lead to amblyopia if not treated.

Synonyms

crossed eyes, eye misalignment, strabismus

Examples of usage

  • The child was diagnosed with a squint.
  • Treatment for squint includes glasses and possibly surgery.
  • Her squint was noticeable even from a distance.

Translations

Translations of the word "squint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espremer os olhos

🇮🇳 आँखें सिकोड़ना

🇩🇪 schielen

🇮🇩 mencintai

🇺🇦 примружити очі

🇵🇱 zmrużyć oczy

🇯🇵 目を細める

🇫🇷 squinter

🇪🇸 entrecerrar los ojos

🇹🇷 gözlerini kısarak bakmak

🇰🇷 눈을 가늘게 뜨다

🇸🇦 تقلص العينين

🇨🇿 šilhání

🇸🇰 krčiť oči

🇨🇳 眯眼

🇸🇮 zmigati

🇮🇸 samka

🇰🇿 көзін жұмып қарау

🇬🇪 დახუჭვა

🇦🇿 gözlərini qısmaq

🇲🇽 entrecerrar los ojos

Etymology

The word 'squint' comes from the early 18th century, derived from the Scottish word 'squint', which means to squint or look sideways. This term is believed to have origins linked to the Middle English word 'squin', associated with squinting actions. The verb form has been used to describe the action of partially closing one’s eyes when exposed to bright light or trying to gain clarity of vision. Over time, the usage of the word has expanded to also include the noun form that describes the misalignment of the eyes. The prevalence of squinting in both language and culture reflects its commonality as a human behavior in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,608, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.