gape

gape at (someone or something)

To stare at someone or something in surprise, typically with the mouth open. I have some great pictures of the kids gaping at the giraffes at the zoo. It probably wasn't the best reaction, but I was so shocked that I could only gape at Mary when she told me she was pregnant. We gaped at the firemen as they rushed into the burning building.

See also: gape

gapeseed

obsolete

1. Something that is so strange, interesting, or unexpected that it causes one to stare with one's mouth open. A: "I think that seeing a horse in our kitchen certainly counts as gapeseed, don't you?" B: "Uh, indeed. Where is the stable boy?" The burning barn was gapeseed for several moments until I finally snapped to attention and began yelling for help. A: "Since when is there gapeseed out in those woods?" B: "Since a tree got hit by lightning! Look!"

2. Someone who gapes or gawks at something. Show some respect—don't be a gapeseed. A: "Must you be a gapeseed?" B: "I can't help it—Evelyn is just so beautiful." When I got there, Johnny was a complete gapeseed as the wolf circled him.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

gape at someone or something

to stare at someone or something in wonder. Don't just stand there, gaping at me. Come in. Stop gaping at the storm clouds and get in here.

See also: gape

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.