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gaze

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gaze open-mouthed

To stare intently at something or someone, often because one is awestruck or dumbfounded. I couldn't help but gaze open-mouthed at the beautiful sunrise.

See also: gaze

gaze around (at someone or something)

to look all around at someone or something. The manager gazed around at each of us, and finally spoke. Tourists gazed around at the scenery for a while and got back in the bus. We just stood there, gazing around.

See also: around, gaze

gaze at someone or something

to stare at someone or something. I stood for an hour, gazing at the sea. She gazed at me for a moment and then smiled.

See also: gaze

gaze on someone or something

to look at someone or something; to survey someone or something. She gazed sullenly on the ruin that had been her home. The teacher gazed on the student and frightened her.

See also: gaze, on

gaze out on something

to look out on something, such as a lovely view, from inside a building or from a particular spot. She gazed out on the flowering trees and knew that life would go on. Henry sat for hours, gazing out on the lake.

See also: gaze, on, out

rivet one's gaze on someone or something

 and rivet one's glare on someone or something

Fig. to fasten one's gaze onto someone or something. (As if it were attached by rivets.) He riveted his gaze on the surly young man. Walter riveted his hateful glare on the last page of the contract and sneered.

See also: gaze, on, rivet

steely gaze

Cliché an intense, staring gaze. The principal turned a steely gaze toward the frightened student and suddenly smiled.

See also: gaze, steely

gaze at/contemplate your navel

  (humorous)

to spend too much time thinking about yourself and your own problems

Usage notes: Your navel is the small round piece of skin in the middle of your stomach.

I read his novel, and thought the man's obviously spent far too long contemplating his own navel.

See also: gaze, navel