Squint

/skwɪnt/ · verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight, or as a threatening expression..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight, or as a threatening expression.
2. (intransitive) To look or glance sideways.
3. (intransitive) To look with, or have eyes that are turned in different directions; to suffer from strabismus.
4. (intransitive, figurative) To have an indirect bearing, reference, or implication; to have an allusion to, or inclination towards, something.
5. (intransitive, Scotland) To be not quite straight, off-centred; to deviate from a true line; to run obliquely.
6. (transitive) To turn to an oblique position; to direct obliquely.
7. An expression in which the eyes are partly closed.
8. The look of eyes which are turned in different directions, as in strabismus.

Example Sentences

The children squinted to frighten each other.

“A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron;[…]. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable, and from time to time squinting sideways, as usual, in the ever-renewed expectation that he might catch a glimpse of his stiff, retroussé moustache.

Yet if the following sentence means anything, it is a squinting toward hypnotism.

to squint an eye

He looks handsome although he's got a slight squint.

—And here she is, says Alf, that was giggling over the Police Gazette with Terry on the counter, in all her warpaint. —Give us a squint at her, says I.

"Better have a squint yourself," suggested Horace, withdrawing his implement and resigning the position. "Listening posts are more in your line by all accounts, inspector."

Synonyms for squint

Antonyms for squint

Related Words

Word Forms

• squints
• squinting
• squinted

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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