Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a fixed, intense stare: Describes eyes that are wide open and staring intently, often due to strong emotions like fear, wonder, or astonishment.

Usage

• The word agaze is a literary and somewhat formal adjective. It is almost exclusively used to describe eyes or a gaze that is fixed and staring, typically in a state of deep absorption, shock, or amazement. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be agaze": to be in a state of staring fixedly.
  • She was agaze upon the masterpiece for a full ten minutes, lost in its beauty.
• "to hold someone agaze": to captivate someone's stare completely.
  • The magician's final trick held the entire audience agaze.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaze (n/v): A steady, intent look; to look steadily and intently.
  • She met his gaze across the room.
• Staring (adj): Looking fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.
  • He had a staring expression of disbelief.

Synonyms

• Staring: Looking fixedly with eyes wide open.
• Rapt: Completely fascinated or absorbed, often shown by one's gaze.
• Transfixed: Rendered motionless with awe, terror, or amazement.

Antonyms

• Averted: (Of eyes) turned away.
• Unfocused: (Of eyes or a gaze) not seeing clearly; lacking concentration or direction.

Adjective

1. (used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
   • staring eyes