squint
|skwint|
/skwɪnt/
partly closed eyes
Etymology
'squint' probably originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'squinten' (Middle English), where the form is imitative of the action of narrowing the eyes.
'squint' changed from Middle English 'squinten' and related forms and eventually became the modern English word 'squint' in Early Modern English.
Initially, it meant 'to look with narrowed or oblique eyes' (an imitative sense); over time this core sense has remained, though it expanded to refer also to the eye condition (strabismus) and to figurative uses like 'take a quick look'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a quick look or glance, often with narrowed eyes.
He gave the note a quick squint before passing it on.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
(chiefly British, medical) Strabismus — a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned (cross-eyed or wall-eyed).
The child was diagnosed with a squint and referred to an ophthalmologist.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to look with the eyes partly closed, usually because of bright light or to see better (to narrow one's eyes); to peer.
I had to squint to read the tiny print on the label.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to look at something with difficulty or suspicion (often followed by 'at').
She squinted at the faded photograph, trying to make out the faces.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/29 05:29