US /ʌnˈwɪŋkɪŋ/ UK /ʌnˈwɪŋkɪŋ/
adj Freq #885141

Meanings

  1. 1
    adj

    not blinking or closing the eyes

    The cat watched the doorway with an unwinking stare.

  2. 2
    adj

    continuously watchful, steady, or unyielding

    The sentry maintained unwinking vigilance throughout the night.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 adj · not blinking or closing the... unblinkingfixed
2 adj · continuously watchful,... vigilantwatchfulunrelenting
Opposites
Word family
Derived forms unwinkingly
Related forms winkstarevigilance

Etymology

Formed from un- ("not") + winking. Its figurative use turns an eye that never blinks into an image of constant vigilance or unwavering attention.

Topics

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