rubberneck

[ruhb-er-nek] /ˈrʌb ərˌnɛk/
verb (used without object)
1.
to look about or stare with great curiosity, as by craning the neck or turning the head.
verb (used with object)
2.
to gawk at:
The tieup was due to drivers rubbernecking an accident.
noun, Also, rubbernecker
3.
a sightseer; tourist.
4.
an extremely curious person.
Origin
1895-1900, Americanism; rubber1 + neck
Examples from the web for rubberneck
  • rubberneck the lobby, then amble out to the dazzling shoreline.
  • Dutifully turning out to rubberneck weekend strollers has diminishing returns.
  • rubberneck-don't watch what is going on and then slam into the back of another vehicle when that vehicle stops suddenly.
  • Please do not park on the side of the road or rubberneck to watch the fireworks.
British Dictionary definitions for rubberneck

rubberneck

/ˈrʌbəˌnɛk/
noun
1.
a person who stares or gapes inquisitively, esp in a naive or foolish manner
2.
a sightseer or tourist
verb
3.
(intransitive) to stare in a naive or foolish manner
Word Origin and History for rubberneck
n.

1897, "person who is always listening to other people's conversation; person who gazes around him with undue curiosity," from rubber + neck (n.). Popularized with reference to sightseers in automobiles. As a verb from 1896. Related: Rubbernecking (1896); rubbernecker (1934).

Slang definitions & phrases for rubberneck

rubberneck

noun

(also rubbernecker) A person who stares and gapes; gawking spectator: The courtroom was full of rubbernecks/ These were rubberneckers, staring curiously at a bloody accident (1896+)

verb

: They all slowed down and rubbernecked at the wreck