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to gawp

to gawp

2 9.1
To stare openly and rudely because you are surprised or curious
  • verb
  • /ɡɔp/
  • UK
translation icon : mirar boquiabierto
  • She couldn't help but gawp at the stunning view from the mountaintop.
  • just stand there gawping
  • there gawping
  • just gawp

Examples

Synonyms

to gawk
vsto gawp
  • Informal
27 6.1

To stare openly at a person or thing because you feel surprised

is the general term for open rude or foolish staring
to gape
vsto gawp
14 3.8

To look with your mouth open in surprise or wonder

is similar but is broader, not limited to open mouth posture
to gawk at
vsto gawp
  • Informal
12 6.3

To stare openly in a rude or surprised way

is similar but focuses on the act directed at someone or something
to goggle
vsto gawp
2 6.1

To look with eyes wide open because you are surprised

is similar but covers general open staring beyond wide-eyed looks
to gaw
vsto gawp
  • Archaic
1 9.9

To stare openly because you are surprised or curious

is the same action but is less marked as dialectal in use
to couldn't help but gawk
vsto gawp
  • Informal
8.2

To be unable to stop yourself from staring in a rude or amazed way

is the same staring action but without the involuntary inability

Antonyms

1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

How Much

to goggle
2 6.1
to stare
1.0
to gawp
  • UK
2 9.1
to gaze
170 2.6
look
1.0
glance
222 1.4

Surface Forms

gawp infinitive
gawped past
gawped past participle
gawping present participle
gawps third person singular

Etymology

Gawp is like the word gape, which originally meant 'open the mouth', so picture someone with their mouth open in surprise. That's why to gawp means to stare openly and often rudely.