spectacle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An impressive or exciting sight, show, or event.

   The fireworks display was a wonderful spectacle.

2. 2
   noun

   An embarrassing sight or scene that draws attention.

   He drank too much and made a spectacle of himself.

From Middle English spectacle, from Middle French spectacle, from Latin spectāculum (“a show, spectacle”), from spectō (“to see, behold”), frequentative of speciō (“to see”). See species. Doublet of spectaculum.

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