squint etymology

Etymology

The word "squint" is derived from the Old English word "squintan," meaning "to look obliquely." It is believed to be ultimately derived from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to bend" or "to twist."

Meaning

The verb "squint" has the following meanings:

• To look obliquely or with one eye half-closed.
• To glance furtively or suspiciously.
• To scrutinize closely.

The noun "squint" refers to:

• A condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and point in different directions.
• A narrow passage or slit that allows light to enter a dark area.

Origin

The word "squint" has been in use in the English language since the 13th century. It was originally used primarily to describe the physical condition of having crossed eyes. The meaning of "to look obliquely" developed later.

Other Related Words

• Squint-eyed: Having crossed eyes.
• Squinting: The act of looking obliquely.
• Squinted: Past tense and past participle of "squint."
• Squint-eyed: Characteristic of someone who squints.

squint relate terms

• asquint

  Etymology Middle English asquint from Old French asquint or esquint from Vulgar Lati

• squint

  Etymology The word squint is derived from the Old English word squintan meaning to

• squinch

  Etymology Late 18th century from obsolete squinch squincy meaning to squint di

• squint

  Etymology The word squint is derived from the Old English word squintan meaning to

• squiz

  Etymology Squiz is a slang term originating from Australia in the 19th century Meani

• squint

  Etymology The word squint is derived from the Old English word squintan meaning to

• quiz

  Etymology Origin Greek Meaning Inquiry investigation Meaning A game or activity

• strabismus

  Etymology Latin strabismus from Greek στράβισμος strabismos meaning squ

• askance

  Etymology From Middle English askance from Old French escanche from Vulgar Latin exca

• scowl

  Etymology Proto Germanic skūflōn to pout scowl Old High German scuflin to shake

• goggle

  Etymology The word goggle is derived from the Middle English word gogle meaning to

• cast

  Etymology The word cast has several distinct etymologies As a verb From Middle En

• look

  Etymology Old English lōcian to see Proto West Germanic lōkijanan Proto Germanic

• abnormality

  Etymology From Old French anormalité from Medieval Latin anormalitas from Ancient Gre

• zone

  Etymology The word zone comes from the Greek word zonē meaning girdle or belt

• adversary

  Etymology The word adversary comes from the Latin word adversarius which means opp

• debate

  Etymology The word debate derives from the Old French word debatre which in turn com