goggle
UK[ˈɡɒɡl]US[ˈɡɑːɡl]
v
To look with wide open eyes, often because of surprise, amazement, or fear.
n
(usually plural) A pair of protective glasses with side shields, used for swimming, skiing, or industrial work.
Etymology
The word 'goggle' emerged in Middle English during the 14th century as the verb 'gogelen', meaning to roll the eyes or look sideways. Its origin is imitative, likely mimicking the sound or motion associated with staring with wide, rolling, or protuberant eyes. This expressive root gave rise to the adjective 'goggle-eyed' in the 16th century. The modern noun sense, referring to protective eyewear, developed in the 18th century, derived from the idea that such glasses, with their prominent, bulging lenses, resemble large, staring eyes.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It is an onomatopoeic or expressive formation in Middle English, likely imitative of the act of staring with wide, rolling, or bulging eyes.
Examples
The children would goggle at the exotic animals in the zoo.
She always wears her swimming goggles to protect her eyes from chlorine.
He goggled in disbelief when he saw the final score.