gape

English

/ˈɡeɪp/

verb
Definitions
  • (intransitive) To open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as in a yawn, anger, or surprise.
  • (intransitive) To stare in wonder.
  • (intransitive) To open wide; to display a gap.
  • (intransitive) Of a cat: to open the passage to the vomeronasal organ, analogous to the flehming in other animals.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English gapen derived from Old Norse gapa (gape).

Origin

Old Norse

gapa

Gloss

gape

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms