Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sidelong and slyly lascivious: Describes a look or glance that is indirect, suggestive, and shows improper sexual interest in a sly or knowing way.
   • Showing sly or knowing malice: Describes an expression, especially in the eyes, that conveys a sense of malicious amusement, cunning, or ill will.

Usage

The adjective "leering" is used to describe a facial expression, typically a look or a smile, that is unpleasant and makes others feel uncomfortable. It implies a combination of slyness and improper intent, often sexual or malicious. It is almost always used negatively.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The man gave her a leering look from across the bar, making her uneasy.
  • The villain in the movie had a constant, leering grin.
  • She was tired of the leering comments from her coworker.

Advanced Usage

• "Leeringly" (Adverb): In a leering manner.
  • He smiled leeringly as he made the suggestion.

Variants and Related Words

• Leer (Verb): To look or gaze with a leering expression.
  • The old man would often leer at the young women who passed by.
• Leer (Noun): A leering look.
  • She shot him a disgusted look in return for his leer.

Synonyms

• Suggestive: Hinting at something improper.
• Lascivious: Showing overt sexual desire.
• Sly: Cunning and deceitful.
• Salacious: Having or conveying undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters.
• Ogling: Staring at in a lecherous manner.

Antonyms

• Innocent: Free from moral wrong.
• Pure: Chaste; not sexually suggestive.
• Benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.
• Direct: Straightforward; without slyness.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "A leering eye": A way of looking that is perceived as creepy or maliciously suggestive.
  • The character was known for his leering eye and sinister plans.

Adjective

1. (of a glance) sidelong and slyly lascivious
   • leering drugstore cowboys
2. showing sly or knowing malice in a glance
   • she had run in fear of...his evil leering eye- Amy Lowell