Definition

1. Verb:
   • To look with amazement; to look stupidly: To stare openly and intently, often in a way that shows surprise, curiosity, or a lack of intelligence. It implies a fixed, prolonged, and sometimes rude gaze.

Usage

The verb "gawp" is used to describe the act of staring in a conspicuous, often foolish or rude manner. It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting the observer is gaping with undisguised and simple-minded astonishment. It is an informal word.

Examples

• The tourists gawped at the towering skyscraper, their mouths agape.
• Don't just gawp at the accident; go and see if you can help!
• The children gawped stupidly at the magician's disappearing act.

Advanced Usage

• "to gawp at": This is the most common construction, used with the preposition "at" to specify the object of the stare.
  • People gathered to gawp at the celebrity's extravagant car.

Variants and Related Words

• Gawker (n): A person who gawps, especially one who slows down to stare at an accident or incident on the road.
  • The traffic jam was caused by gawkers at the scene of a minor collision.

Synonyms

• Gape: To stare with one's mouth open, especially in surprise or wonder.
• Goggle: To look with wide, bulging, or staring eyes.
• Stare: To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something. (More neutral than "gawp").

Antonyms

• Glance: To take a brief or hurried look.
• Ignore: To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge.
• Overlook: To fail to notice or consider.

Verb

1. look with amazement; look stupidly