haze
haze Lexical Profile
haze Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles of dust, smoke, moisture, or heat.
"A thick summer haze hung over the valley, obscuring the distant mountain peaks."
A state of mental obscurity, vagueness, or confusion.
"After working through the night, she wandered through the morning meetings in an exhausted haze."
• verb
North American To force (a new or potential member of a group, club, or fraternity) to perform strenuous, humiliating, or dangerous tasks as part of an initiation.
"The university strictly prohibits student organizations from attempting to haze incoming freshmen."
To obscure with or become obscured by a fine mist, film, or vapor.
"High humidity began to haze the camera lens before the photographer could capture the landscape."
• Rhymes for haze
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun and atmospheric verb are likely back-formations from the earlier adjective 'hazy' (first recorded in the early 17th century), of uncertain origin. The verb meaning to subject newcomers to abusive initiation rituals derives from Middle French 'haser' (to irritate, insult, or frighten).