blink

blink [bliŋk]

vi.

[ME blenken, blenchen: see BLENCH²]

1. to close the eyelids and open them quickly one or more times, as either a reflex or a conscious act

2. to flash on and off; twinkle or glimmer

3. to look with eyes half-shut and winking, as in dazzling light

4.

a) to look (at) as if not seeing; disregard; ignore; condone [to blink at a mistake]

b) to look (at) with wonder or shock [he blinked at the weight of the players]

5. Obs. to look with a glance

vt.

1. to wink (the eyes) rapidly

2. to cause (eyes, light, etc.) to wink or blink

3. to get rid of (tears, eye drops, etc.) by blinking: with away or from

4. to close the eyes to (a fact or situation); evade or avoid

5. to signal (a message) by flashing a light, etc.

n.

1. a blinking of the eyes

2. a brief flash of light; twinkle or glimmer

3. Chiefly Scot. a quick look; glimpse

4. short for:

a) ICEBLINK

b) SNOWBLINK

SYN.- WINK

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☆ on the blink

Slang not working right; out of order