verb
peer
To look closely or with difficulty.
She peers through the fog, trying to read the street sign.
Etymology
Probably related to pore in its older looking sense. The exact relationship is uncertain; peer meaning an equal is unrelated.
More examples
- He peered into the dark cupboard for a clean mug.
- I peer at the tiny print on the medicine bottle.
- The children are peering through a gap in the fence.
Forms
peer · peers · peered · peering
Similar words
- squint
- Specifically involves partly closing the eyes to see better.
- peek
- Emphasizes a quick or secret look rather than careful looking.
- scrutinize
- Emphasizes detailed examination rather than difficulty seeing something.