haze

1 of 2

verb (1)

hazed; hazing
Synonyms of hazenext

transitive verb

: to make hazy, dull, or cloudy

intransitive verb

: to become hazy or cloudy

haze

2 of 2

verb (2)

hazed; hazing

transitive verb

1
a
: to harass by exacting unnecessary or disagreeable work
b
: to harass by banter, ridicule, or criticism
2
: to play tricks on or force to do unpleasant or unsafe things as initiation
haze the fraternity pledges
3
Western US : to drive (animals, such as cattle or horses) from horseback
hazer noun

Examples of haze in a Sentence

Verb (2) the roughnecks on the oil rig would haze the young man for his refined manners and educated speech

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1801, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Verb (2)

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of haze was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Haze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haze. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

haze

1 of 3 noun
1
: fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causing lack of transparency in the air
2
: unclearness of mind or perception : daze

haze

2 of 3 verb
hazed; hazing
: to make or become hazy or cloudy

haze

3 of 3 verb
hazed; hazing
: to play unpleasant and humiliating tricks on (as new members of a college fraternity) or force to perform humiliating tasks or stunts
hazer noun
Etymology

Noun

from hazy

Verb

origin unknown

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