Definition of blink

The word "blink" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*blenkiz", which meant "to sparkle" or "to shine". This Proto-Germanic word is also the source of the Modern English word "blen", meaning "to sparkle" or "to shine brightly". In Old English, the word "blink" emerged in the 10th century, initially meaning "to shine" or "to sparkle". Over time, its meaning shifted to describe the act of rapidly closing and reopening one's eyelids, which was likely influenced by the idea of shining or sparkling. By the 14th century, the word had taken on its modern meaning, referring to the quick, involuntary movement of the eyelids. Today, "blink" is used to describe not only the physical act of blinking but also to refer to a brief, fleeting moment or to signal a sudden or rapid change.