Definition

1. Verb:
   • To look with amazement; to stare stupidly or openly in surprise: To gaze or stare in a rude, open-mouthed, or foolish manner, often due to surprise, curiosity, or lack of sophistication.
2. Noun:
   • An awkward, stupid person: A clumsy, foolish, or socially inept individual.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tourists often gawk at the famous monument.
  • Don't gawk at people; it's impolite.
• Noun:
  • He felt like a complete gawk when he tripped in front of everyone.
  • The clumsy gawk spilled his drink all over the table.

Advanced Usage

• "to gawk at": This is the most common verb construction, meaning to stare openly at someone or something.
  • Crowds gathered to gawk at the celebrity's arrival.
  • It's rude to gawk at someone's misfortune.

Variants and Related Words

• Gawker (noun): A person who gawks, especially one who stares intrusively.
  • The accident attracted a crowd of gawkers.
• Gawky (adjective): Awkward, clumsy, or ungainly in movement or appearance.
  • The gawky teenager was still growing into his body.

Synonyms

• Verb: Stare, gape, ogle, rubberneck.
• Noun: Oaf, lout, klutz, clod.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Gawk at: As shown in 'Advanced Usage', this is the standard phrasal verb form.
  • People would stop their cars to gawk at the beautiful sunset.

Related Idioms

• To stand and gawk: To stop and stare idly without taking action.
  • Don't just stand and gawk; come and help!

Noun

1. an awkward stupid person

Verb

1. look with amazement; look stupidly