wink at

wink  (wngk)

v. winked, wink·ing, winks

v.intr.

1. To close and open the eyelid of one eye deliberately, as to convey a message, signal, or suggestion.

2. To close and open the eyelids of both eyes; blink. See Synonyms at blink.

3. To shine fitfully; twinkle: Harbor lights were winking in the distance.

v.tr.

1. To close and open (an eye or the eyes) rapidly.

2. To signal or express by winking.

n.

1.

a. The act of winking.

b. A signal or hint conveyed by winking.

2. The very brief time required for a wink; an instant.

3. A quick closing and opening of the eyelids; a blink.

4. A gleam or twinkle.

5. Informal A brief period of sleep.

Phrasal Verbs:

wink at

To pretend not to see: winked at corruption in the ministry.

wink out

To come to a close; end.

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[Middle English winken, to close one's eyes, from Old English wincian.]

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wink at

vb

(intr, preposition) to connive at; disregard the authorities winked at corruption

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

wink at - give one's silent approval to connive at encourage, promote, further, boost, advance - contribute to the progress or growth of; "I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom"