Definition of the word eyeful

The word "eyeful" can be traced back to the late 1400s, when it first appeared in Middle English as "eyfulle." It was derived from the Old English word "ofol," meaning "something seen, spectacle," and the Old English preposition "on," meaning "upon" or "before." The word "eyeful" initially referred to something that was visually appealing, impressive, or stunning to witness. However, over time, it has also come to be used more negatively to describe something that is overwhelming, shocking, or unpleasant to the eyes. In the 1500s, a similar phrase, "eyefault," was used in Middle English to mean "a sudden or severe attack of illness," probably due to the impact of such sights upon one's eyesight. This usage faded in favor of the more widely used "eyeful," which has remained a common expression in English, typically used in figurative ways to describe visual experiences that are powerful or impactful in some way.