rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryglareDazzling light
noun / verb

glare

GLAIR/ɡlˈɛr/

Harsh brightness that is uncomfortable to look at.

The windshield's glare makes the man squint and shield his eyes.

A man squints and shields his eyes from dazzling sunlight reflected off a car windshield; the reflected brightness visibly obscures the view through the glass.
Etymology
glareMiddle Dutchto gleam

Glare is from or related to Middle Dutch glaren, “to gleam.” The English verb meant “to shine brightly,” and the noun named dazzling light, especially light reflected from a surface.

In context

Storytime Haven444:28
In the light beyond the glare he could see vaguely the shore bending away to the west in a deep curve of unbroken white leaping foam.
✨ The Man by Bram Stoker | A Tale of Love, Courage & Destiny 📖

More examples

  • Sunglasses reduce the glare from the water.
  • Oncoming headlights glare through the windshield.
  • I tilt my screen to avoid the glare.

Forms

glare · glares · glared · glaring

Similar words

brightness
Names light's intensity without implying discomfort or harshness.
brilliance
Suggests intense, striking brightness, often admired rather than disliked.