To stare with wide-open eyes in amazement or shock (verb); protective eyewear designed to shield the eyes from debris, chemicals, or bright light (noun). Often implies an expression of surprise or wonder.
Middle English, possibly imitative of the rolling motion of protruding eyes. The word may be related to Irish and Welsh words for 'to shake' or 'to roll,' reflecting the wide-eyed, unsteady gaze associated with amazement or shock.
The verb 'goggle' captures that distinctive wide-eyed stare we make when truly surprised - it's one of those wonderful words that sounds like what it describes. Swimming goggles and safety goggles get their name from this bulging, prominent appearance they give the wearer's eyes.
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