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

²glance

noun

Definition of GLANCE

1

a : a quick intermittent flash or gleam

b archaic : a sudden quick movement

2

a archaic : a rapid oblique movement

b : a deflected impact or blow

3

a : a swift movement of the eyes

b : a quick or cursory look

4

archaic

a : a brief satirical reference to something : gibe

b : allusion

— at first glance

: on first consideration <at first glance the subject seems harmless enough>

Examples of GLANCE

1. He gave me a quick glance over his shoulder.
2. I took a glance at the newspaper this morning.

First Known Use of GLANCE

1503

Related to GLANCE

Synonyms

cast, eye, gander, look, glimpse, peek, peep, regard, sight, view

Related Words

gape, gaze, glare, leer, ogle, stare; side-glance; squinny, squint; coup d'oeil

Rhymes with GLANCE

chance, dance, lance, prance, trance, trans