LEERING Meaning and
Definition
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Leering is an adjective that describes someone's facial expression or mannerism when they look at someone or something with an offensive, often lustful or mocking intention, usually accompanied by a sinister or malicious smile. It is derived from the verb "to leer," which means to look or gaze in an obtrusively suggestive manner.
When an individual is leering, their eyes typically fixate on a person or object in a way that can make the target feel uncomfortable, objectified, or threatened. This expression is often characterized by a distinct squint or narrowing of the eyes, emphasizing a sense of ridicule, arrogance, or sexual desire.
The act of leering can be perceived as offensive, disrespectful, or degrading, as it conveys a lack of regard for another individual's boundaries, personal space, or autonomy. Leering is commonly associated with behaviors of harassment, catcalling, or sexually inappropriate conduct.
The term leering also extends beyond its literal meaning in facial expressions. It can describe situations, comments, or actions that possess a similar offensive or mocking intention, suggesting an underlying disrespect or ill-intent.
Leering is an intrusive and unwelcome social behavior that is widely condemned in many societies due to its objectifying nature and negative impact on the individuals it targets.
Common Misspellings for LEERING
Etymology of LEERING
The word "leering" can be traced back to Middle English. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
"Leering" first appeared in Middle English around the 14th century, derived from the Old English word "hlēorian", which means "to emulate" or "to follow". Over time, the meaning of "hlēorian" shifted to describe a derisive or malicious form of imitation. It was influenced by the Middle Dutch word "loeren", meaning "to lurk" or "to lie in wait", further adding to its negative connotations.
By the 16th century, "leering" had developed its current meaning of giving a sly, sideways, or lascivious glance, often with an element of malice or lust. The term evolved from its original sense of imitation or emulation to connote the dubious or unsettling act of looking askance.
Similar spelling words for LEERING
Conjugate verb Leering
CONDITIONAL
I
would leer
we
would leer
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would leer
he/she/it
would leer
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would leer
FUTURE
I
will leer
we
will leer
you
will leer
he/she/it
will leer
they
will leer
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have leered
we
will have leered
you
will have leered
he/she/it
will have leered
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will have leered
PAST
I
leered
we
leered
you
leered
he/she/it
leered
they
leered
PAST PERFECT
I
had leered
we
had leered
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had leered
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had leered
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had leered
PRESENT
I
leer
we
leer
you
leer
he/she/it
leers
they
leer
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have leered
we
have leered
you
have leered
he/she/it
has leered
they
have leered
I
am leering
we
are leering
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are leering
he/she/it
is leering
they
are leering
I
was leering
we
were leering
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were leering
he/she/it
was leering
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were leering
I
will be leering
we
will be leering
you
will be leering
he/she/it
will be leering
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will be leering
I
have been leering
we
have been leering
you
have been leering
he/she/it
has been leering
they
have been leering
I
had been leering
we
had been leering
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had been leering
he/she/it
had been leering
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had been leering
I
will have been leering
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will have been leering
he/she/it
will have been leering
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will have been leering
I
would have leered
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would have leered
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would have leered
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would have leered
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would have leered
I
would be leering
we
would be leering
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would be leering
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would be leering
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would be leering
I
would have been leering
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would have been leering
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would have been leering
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would have been leering
they
would have been leering
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