WINK AT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does wink at mean? 

• WINK AT (verb)
  The verb WINK AT has 1 sense:

1. give one's silent approval to

  Familiarity information: WINK AT used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• WINK AT (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Give one's silent approval to

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

connive at; wink at

Hypernyms (to "wink at" is one way to...):

advance; boost; encourage; further; promote (contribute to the progress or growth of)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s VERB-ing

 Context examples 

“It is not for a magistrate to wink at the breaking of the law, sir,” he answered.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

While Dorothy was looking earnestly into the queer, painted face of the Scarecrow, she was surprised to see one of the eyes slowly wink at her.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

Oh, it drives me half-mad to think of it, and I can’t sleep a wink at night.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Nothing child, nothing. I did not wink at you.”

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)