leer
2 synonyms for leer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent.
“The stranger leered at her from across the bar.”
2. noun
An unpleasant sideways glance, often suggesting lust or malice.
“She caught his leer and quickly looked away.”
How to use leer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
leer at someone
a lecherous leer
Etymology
Uncertain, but likely from an old word meaning "cheek" or "profile" — the sense shifted from a body part to the sly, sideways glance itself.
Full origin of leer →