squint
UK: /skwɪnt/ | US: /skwɪnt/
v. 1. To look at something with partially closed eyes, often due to bright light or difficulty seeing.
v. 2. To have eyes that are misaligned or turned inward/outward (medical condition: strabismus).
n. 1. An act or instance of squinting.
n. 2. A sidelong or oblique glance.
squint = squ<oblique> + int<related to>
- squ<oblique>: Likely derived from Middle English squinten or Dutch schuinte ("slant"), suggesting an angled or skewed perspective.
- int<related to>: A suffix implying association or condition, possibly influenced by Old English -end (present participle) or Latin -ent (agentive suffix).
Etymology Origin:
The word squint emerged in the 14th century, originally meaning "to look obliquely" or "to have misaligned eyes." Its roots trace back to Germanic and Dutch terms for "slanting" or "crooked," reflecting the physical act of narrowing or tilting the eyes. Over time, it retained its dual sense of both a voluntary action (e.g., squinting in sunlight) and a medical condition (strabismus).
She had to squint to read the tiny text on the screen.
The bright sunlight made him squint as he stepped outside.
The doctor diagnosed the child with a slight squint in the left eye.
He gave her a suspicious squint before answering.
Artists often squint to simplify complex shapes when drawing.