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¹look

verb \ˈlu̇k\

: to direct your eyes in a particular direction

: to seem to be something especially because of appearance

: to have an appearance that is suitable for (something)

Full Definition of LOOK

transitive verb

: to make sure or take care (that something is done)

: to ascertain by the use of one's eyes <look what I brought you>

a : to exercise the power of vision upon : examine

b archaic : to search for

a : expect, anticipate <we look to have a good year>

b : to have in mind as an end <looking to win back some lost profits>

archaic : to bring into a place or condition by the exercise of the power of vision

: to express by the eyes or facial expression

: to have an appearance that befits or accords with <looks her age>

intransitive verb

a : to exercise the power of vision : see

b : to direct one's attention <look upon the future with hope> <look at the map>

c : to direct the eyes <looked up from the newspaper>

: to have the appearance or likelihood of being : seem <it looks unlikely> <looks to be hard work>

: to have a specified outlook <the house looked east>

: to gaze in wonder or surprise : stare

: to show a tendency <the evidence looks to acquittal>

— look after

: to take care of

— look at

: consider 1 <looking at the possibility of relocating>

: confront, face <looking at a mandatory fine — Cindy Kilass>

— look down one's nose

: to view something with arrogance, disdain, or disapproval

— look for

: to await with hope or anticipation

: to search for : seek <looking for a new car>

— look forward

: to anticipate with pleasure or satisfaction <looking forward to your visit>

— look into

: explore 1a

— look the other way

: to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome

— look to

: to direct one's attention to <looking to the future>

: to rely upon <looks to reading for relaxation>

See look defined for English-language learners

See look defined for kids

Origin of LOOK

Middle English, from Old English lōcian; akin to Old Saxon lōcōn to look

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LOOK

Synonyms: act, appear, come across (as), come off (as), feel, seem, make, sound

Antonyms: stifle, suppress

Synonym Discussion of LOOK

expect, hope, look mean to await some occurrence or outcome. expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning <expects to be finished by Tuesday>. hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen <hopes to find a job soon>. look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled <looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness <look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.