Gawk

To stare openly and stupidly; to look with wide-eyed, foolish admiration or wonder, often because of shock, surprise, or lack of understanding. The act implies an uninhibited and sometimes awkward observation, often directed at something unusual, unexpected, or impressive. This typically involves prolonged eye contact and a lack of subtlety, often appearing impolite or even rude in social settings. The reason for gawking can vary greatly, from genuine bewilderment to simple fascination with a spectacle. While the action itself is simple, the connotations are frequently negative, implying naivety, ignorance, or social awkwardness. It's essentially an unrefined form of observation.

Gawk meaning with examples

• As the celebrity strolled past, the crowd began to gawk, their phones held high, trying to capture the moment. Their faces were a mixture of awe and bewilderment as if unsure how to process the fleeting glimpse of fame. No one really reacted to the other people or environment. The spectacle overtook them, and they simply gawked at her.
• The tourists gawked at the ancient ruins, their guide pointing out intricate details. Their eyes darted from column to intricate carvings, oblivious to the other people around them. They moved about taking photos, but didn't speak or interact with each other, entirely immersed in the scene. It was clear that they were mesmerized by the grandeur of history.
• He couldn't help but gawk at the complex machinery in the factory. The sheer scale of the operations was overwhelming, so he just stood and watched in silence as all the machines did their things. It was amazing to see how this all worked together. It was as if the building itself was a living machine with multiple components.
• The children gawked at the magician's seemingly impossible tricks. They were mesmerized by the vanishing rabbits and card tricks. Their jaws were open and their eyes wide, unable to comprehend the secrets. It was a joyous time of childhood innocence, their curiosity fully engaged by the spectacle before them.