Flat-gazed

Flat-gazed describes a state of having eyes that appear devoid of expression, focus, or emotional depth. It signifies a lack of animation or responsiveness in the eyes, often conveying a sense of detachment, indifference, or emptiness. The eyes appear dull, lifeless, and without the spark that typically reflects inner thought or feeling. This gaze can be a momentary effect, such as when someone is deep in thought, or a more persistent characteristic reflecting emotional states, mental conditions, or even a deliberate attempt to appear neutral or unreadable. The term emphasizes the visual aspect of a diminished or absent emotional presence.

Flat-gazed meaning with examples

• Lost in the aftermath of the accident, she stared with a flat-gazed expression at the wreckage, her mind seemingly unable to process the devastating scene. The shock had stolen the life from her eyes, leaving them vacant and unseeing. Her family tried to comfort her, but the flat-gazed stare gave little indication of her comprehension or emotional state. It was as if she had retreated into herself, protected by a shield of blankness.
• The soldier returned from the war a changed man, his once vibrant eyes now forever flat-gazed, reflecting the horrors he had witnessed. The joy that had once danced within them was extinguished, replaced with an emptiness that haunted his every waking moment. He spoke little of his experiences, but the perpetual flat-gazed stare spoke volumes about the trauma etched into his soul and the way it still lingered in his mind.
• The detective questioned the suspect, attempting to read any hint of deception in his eyes, but the man remained resolutely flat-gazed, offering no clues to his inner thoughts. His eyes, seemingly unblinking, provided no window into his guilt or innocence, making it nearly impossible to determine his truth from a lie. The detective knew that the absence of emotion was itself a tactic to manipulate and control the situation.
• A portrait of the old king showed his flat-gazed eyes that was meant to communicate the man's solemn strength. The artist's use of shadow further enhanced this effect, creating the impression of a powerful yet emotionally distant monarch. The unseeing gaze, combined with the rigid posture, projected an aura of authority and impenetrable resolve. The artist knew he was to portray the king not only as regal, but almost superhuman in his dispassion.