Gāpe1, v. i.
(in England commonly pronounced gāp) (Synop., § 130), v. i. [imp. & p. p. GAPED (gāpt); p. pr. & vb. n. GAPING.] [A-S. geapan, to open, Icel. & Sw. gapa, to open, Dan. gabe, D. gapen, Ger. gaffen.]
Sense 1. To open the mouth wide; as, (a.) Expressing a desire for food; as, young birds gape. Dryden. (b.) Indicating sleepiness, indifference, dullness; to yawn.
She stretches, gapes, unglues her eyes, And asks if it be time to rise. Swift.
(c.) Showing self-forgetfulness in surprise, astonishment, expectation, and the like. “With gaping amazement had stared aghast.” Byron. (d.) Manifesting a desire to injure, devour, or overcome.
They have gaped upon me with their mouth. Job xvi. 10.
Sense 2. To open as a gap; to exhibit a fissure or hiatus.
May that ground gape and swallow me alive. Shak.
To gape for, or after, rarely with at, to seek after.
The hungry grave for her due tribute gapes. Dryden.
Synonyms—To gaze; stare; yawn. See GAZE.