wide-eyed

This term captures a physical reaction of shock or awe, where the eyes widen to take in more visual information. It often conveys a sense of vulnerability or intense focus, whether triggered by sudden terror or genuine fascination. When used to describe a person's character, it shifts from a physical state to a psychological one. It suggests a lack of worldly wisdom or a childlike trust in others, often implying that the person is easily deceived or overly optimistic about a new environment.