Meaning of leer in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Verb

    leer

    Etymology

    mid 16th century (in the general sense ‘look sideways or askance’): perhaps from obsolete leer ‘cheek’, from Old Englishhlēor, as though the sense were ‘to glance over one's cheek’

    Definitions

    1. look suggestively or obliquely

    Examples

    • « look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression »
    • « The men leered at the young women on the beach »

    Derived terms

  2. Noun

    leer

    Definitions

    1. a facial expression of contempt or scorn

    Examples

    • « the upper lip curls »

    Derived terms

  3. 2. a suggestive or sneering look or grin

Famous quotes

  • « Prison service vans that travel 90 miles to take a prisoner 90 yards paedophiles free to leer at children in the very parks where they have committed horrific crimes. »
    Trevor Phillips

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