glance

¹glance

verb \ˈglan(t)s\

glancedglanc·ing

Definition of GLANCE

intransitive verb

1

: to strike a surface obliquely so as to go off at an angle <the bullet glanced off the wall>

2

a : to make sudden quick movements <dragonflies glancing over the pond> b : to flash or gleam with quick intermittent rays of light <brooks glancing in the sun>

3

: to touch on a subject or refer to it briefly or indirectly <the work glances at the customs of ancient cultures>

4

a of the eyes : to move swiftly from one thing to another b : to take a quick look at something <glanced at his watch>

transitive verb

1

archaic a : to take a quick look at b : to catch a glimpse of

2

: to give an oblique path of direction to: a : to throw or shoot so that the object glances from a surface b archaic : to aim (as an innuendo) indirectly : insinuate

— glanc·er noun

Examples of GLANCE

1. Glancing down, she noticed her shoe was untied.
2. I glanced at my watch.
3. He sat quietly, glancing through a magazine.
4. She glanced up from her book when he entered the room.

Origin of GLANCE

Middle English glencen, glenchen

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to GLANCE

Synonyms: bounce, carom, rebound, ricochet, skim, skip

Antonyms: gaze, stare

Related Words: brush, graze, nudge, rake, shave, sweep; bump, contact, hit, kiss, touch; sideswipe; reflect

Near Antonyms: examine, overlook, oversee, question, survey; study, view; peer, pry; gawk, goggle, rubberneck; leer, ogle

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide