Hollow-eyed

Describing a person or animal whose eyes appear sunken and surrounded by dark circles, often due to lack of sleep, illness, fatigue, or excessive worry. The term evokes a sense of physical depletion, emotional strain, or prolonged suffering. It emphasizes the indentation around the eyes, contrasting sharply with the usual fullness and brightness. It often suggests a gaunt or emaciated appearance and can be a visual indicator of underlying health issues or significant emotional distress. The overall impression is one of weariness, vulnerability, and a lack of vitality. The darkened area beneath the eyes contributes to a tired or even haunted look. Furthermore, 'hollow-eyed' carries a sense of detachment from the surrounding world; someone described this way may seem withdrawn or lost in their thoughts.

Hollow-eyed meaning with examples

• The detective, fueled by endless nights following leads, stared back at his reflection. His face was a landscape of sleeplessness, his hollow-eyed gaze reflecting the exhaustion of the city and the burden of his case. He poured more coffee and prepared for another long, frustrating day.
• After losing her dog to cancer, Sarah's usually vibrant face seemed to collapse. Her hollow-eyed look was a stark reminder of her grief, a visible manifestation of the emotional chasm the loss had created. Sleep became a distant luxury, with the pain still keeping her awake.
• The prisoner, after months of solitary confinement, was brought before the judge. Sunlight streamed into the courtroom, reflecting off his emaciated features. His hollow-eyed stare was a harrowing testimony to the psychological toll of his captivity. He spoke in a whisper
• The zombie lumbered forward. Its skin was decayed and cracked, and deep, hollow-eyed sockets glared at the unsuspecting human. The creature’s unearthly visage struck fear into the hearts of the living. There was a deadness in the gaze
• As the famine ravaged the village, the children's faces became skeletal. Their hollow-eyed expressions spoke of the desperate hunger consuming them. They moved with a lethargy that mirrored the despair in their hearts, a silent plea for help. A doctor was needed.