noun / verb
leer
LEER/lɪr/
An unpleasantly sexual or sly look at someone.
She steps away when the man gives her a leer.
Etymology
Leer probably comes from ler, “cheek,” with the likely idea of looking sideways or askance. Its earlier sense “look obliquely” later acquired the lustful or malicious implication familiar today.
More examples
- He leers at women as they pass his table.
- The stranger's suggestive leer makes her uncomfortable.
- She tells him to stop leering at her.
Forms
leer · leers · leered · leering