Descry
Verb
- Catch sight of.
Example Sentences
“When you descry the large oak tree, my house is right across from it.”
“The hound descried a rabbit and took off after it like a shot.”
“I can descry a package being delivered through my video camera doorbell while I am at work.”
Word Origin
Old French, early 14th century
Why this word?
The word “descry” has nothing to do with tears of sadness, but it is related to the old-fashioned job of town crier. From Old French, “descrier” means to “publish, proclaim.” The now-obsolete usage of “descry” was to “describe,” but today the word just means to “catch sight of,” and you can keep your news to yourself.