wink

wink [wiŋk]

vi.

[ME winken < OE wincian, akin to Ger winken: see WINCH]

1. to close the eyelids and open them again quickly

2.

a) to close one eyelid and open it again quickly, as a signal, etc.

b) to be closed and opened in this way: said of the eye

3. to shine intermittently; twinkle

vt.

1. to make (the eyes or an eye) wink

2. to move, remove, etc. by winking: usually with back or away [to wink back tears]

3. to signal or express by winking

n.

1. the act of winking

2.

a) the time occupied by this; an instant

b) a tiny interval (of sleep): cf. FORTY WINKS

3. a signal, hint, etc. given by winking

4. a twinkle or twinkling

——————

wink at

to pretend not to see, as in connivance

SYN.- WINK usually implies a deliberate movement in the quick closing and opening of one or both eyelids one or more times [he winked at her knowingly ]; BLINK implies a rapid series of such movements, usually performed involuntarily and with the eyes half-shut [to blink in the harsh sunlight ]