leer

¹

[leer]

verb (used without object)

1. to look with a sideways or oblique glance, especially suggestive of lascivious interest or sly and malicious intent.

   Go away! I can't concentrate with you leering at me.

noun

1. a lascivious or sly look.

leer

²

[leer]

adjective

British Dialect.

1. having no burden or load.

2. faint for lack of food; hungry.

leer

/ lɪə /

verb

1. (intr) to give an oblique, sneering, or suggestive look or grin

noun

1. such a look

Other Word Forms

• leering adjective
• leeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of leer¹

First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps verb use of obsolete noun leer “cheek” ( Middle English leor, Old English hlēor; cognate with Old Norse hlȳr (plural))

Origin of leer²

before 1050; Middle English lere, Old English gelǣr; cognate with German leer empty

Word History and Origins

Origin of leer¹

C16: perhaps verbal use of obsolete leer cheek, from Old English hlēor

Example Sentences

The final shot is one of the most foreboding in Hollywood history, with Nazis in uniform reflected in the cabaret’s distorted mirror, leering from the VIP seats at the front of the stage.

From Salon

But when she played the early solo cut “Money” too, a leering rap banger, she showed she’s always had this in her.

From Los Angeles Times

Guiraudie celebrates the frivolity of a steamy glance or a leering gaze, and “Misericordia” is no different, which is precisely why it’s such an exciting venture in the realm of contemporary queer filmmaking.

From Salon

She did nothing to stop him from leeringly telling one participant that she has a "beautiful voice."

From Salon

As such, Harvey’s appreciation of Sue is creepy, especially when he leers at her exercising in a skimpy outfit.

From Salon