Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Affected by strabismus; having eyes that look in different directions: Describes a physiological condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look at the same point simultaneously.
   • (Especially of glances) Directed to one side with doubt, suspicion, envy, or secrecy: Describes a sidelong, indirect, or furtive look, often implying a negative emotion or hidden intent.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical Condition):

  • The doctor diagnosed the child as squint-eyed and recommended corrective therapy.
  • In the portrait, the subject appears slightly squint-eyed.

• Adjective (Manner of Looking):

  • He gave her a squint-eyed glance, unsure if he could trust her story.
  • She watched the negotiations with a squint-eyed look of envy.

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively to imply a skewed or prejudiced perspective:
  • His squint-eyed view of the proposal prevented him from seeing its true merits. (This suggests a biased or distorted viewpoint.)

Variants and Related Words

• Squint (verb/noun): To look with the eyes partly closed or to have strabismus. The act of squinting.
  • He had to squint in the bright sunlight.
• Squinter (noun): A person who squints.
• Cross-eyed (adjective): A more common informal synonym specifically for the condition where the eyes turn inward.

Synonyms

• Strabismic (adj): Medical term for having strabismus.
• Sidelong (adj/adv): (Of a look) directed from the side; indirect.
• Askance (adv): With a side glance; with suspicion or disapproval.
• Leering (adj): Looking in an unpleasant, malicious, or lustful way.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Look askance at: To view with suspicion or disapproval.
  • The board looked askance at the unconventional proposal.
• To give someone the side-eye: (Modern, informal idiom) To look at someone with suspicion, contempt, or disapproval, often covertly.
  • She gave him the side-eye when he made that outrageous claim.

Adjective

1. (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy
   • her eyes with their misted askance look- Elizabeth Bowen
   • sidelong glances
2. affected by strabismus