askance

Definitions

1adverbWith suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.

She looked askance at the proposal, unsure of its intentions.

The teacher glanced askance at the student who was whispering during the exam.

He viewed the new policy askance, doubting its effectiveness.

Word Origin

Language

Middle English

Originally meant

sideways, obliquely

Background

The word 'askance' likely comes from Middle English, where it meant to look sideways or obliquely. It has evolved to imply a sense of suspicion or disapproval when looking at something.