spectacle

The definition of a spectacle is something amazing, interesting or exciting to see that attracts attention.

(noun)

An example of a spectacle is a great fireworks show.
An example of a spectacle is a person throwing a tantrum who all others in the room are staring at.

See spectacle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Origin: OFr < L spectaculum < spectare, to behold, freq. of specere, to see: see spy

See spectacle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Something that can be seen or viewed, especially something of a remarkable or impressive nature.
b. A public performance or display, especially one on a large or lavish scale.
c. A regrettable public display, as of bad behavior: drank too much and made a spectacle of himself.
spectacles
a. A pair of eyeglasses.
b. Something resembling eyeglasses in shape or suggesting them in function.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin spectāculum

Origin: , from spectāre, to watch

Origin: , frequentative of specere, to look at; see spek- in Indo-European roots

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