Definition

Verb: 1. To force something (especially tears) to leave the eyes by blinking repeatedly: The act of rapidly closing and opening one's eyelids to clear moisture or a small obstruction from the surface of the eye.

Usage and Examples

• The primary usage is to describe the physical action of removing tears or irritants from the eyes.
• Example: "She tried to blink away the tears before anyone noticed she was crying."
• Example: "The dust from the road made his eyes water, and he had to blink it away."

Advanced Usage

• While most commonly used for tears, it can be applied to other liquids or small particles in the eye.
• It can be used figuratively to suggest an attempt to dismiss or clear away a feeling or thought as quickly as blinking away tears.
  • Figurative Example: "He tried to blink away the troubling memory."

Variants and Related Words

• Blink (verb): To shut and open the eyes quickly.
• Blink back (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning to 'blink away,' often used specifically for tears.
  • Example: "She blinked back her tears of frustration."

Synonyms

• Clear from the eye by blinking
• Blink back (tears)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Blink back: As noted above, this is a near-identical phrasal verb, often used interchangeably with 'blink away' in the context of tears.
  • Example: "He blinked back the tears of joy."

Verb

1. force to go away by blinking
   • blink away tears