behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld 

bē-

beheld bi-ˈheld 

bē-

; beholding

transitive verb

1

: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see

2

: to gaze upon : observe

It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset.

The enormous crowd was a sight to behold.

intransitive verb

—used in the imperative especially to call attention

beholder noun

Synonyms

• appreciate
• apprehend
• assimilate
• catch
• catch on (to)
• cognize
• compass
• comprehend
• conceive
• cotton (to or on to)
• decipher
• decode
• dig
• discern
• get
• grasp
• grok
• intuit
• know
• make
• make out
• perceive
• recognize
• register
• savvy
• see
• seize
• sense
• tumble (to)
• twig
• understand

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it.

to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth

Recent Examples on the Web

The Medusa logo was chosen as a symbol of captivating beauty, seducing all those who behold it. —Mattia Dognini, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2025

Those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of these apex predators may witness their next hunt and behold this strategy in action. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

There was plenty of sparkle and volume to behold on the red carpet, not to mention handfuls of looks that paid homage to country music, of course, with a Western flair. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

Separately, actress Nicole Ari Parker was a sight to behold in her maroon ensemble with a matching hat. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing behold

• a sight to see/behold
• a sight/wonder to behold
• lo and behold

Kids Definition

behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld 

beheld -ˌheld  ; beholding

: to look upon : see

beholder noun