Stare

/stɛər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A fixed gaze or look.

He met her stare without flinching.

An act of looking intently at something.

The stare from the audience made the performer extremely nervous.

verb

To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with wide-open eyes.

She couldn't help but stare at the beautiful painting in the gallery.

To look at someone or something for a long time, often with an expression of surprise or disbelief.

He stared in disbelief when he saw the final score of the game.

To confront or challenge someone with one's gaze.

The two rivals stared each other down before the match began.

Middle English steren, from Old English styran; related to Old Norse stara.

stare someone down

To look at someone in a way that challenges them or shows confidence.

blank stare

A look with no expression or understanding.

stare into space

To look with open eyes but not actually see anything, often lost in thought.

gaze

To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought.

glare

To stare in a fierce or angry way.

peer

To look closely or carefully.

To stare at someone in an obvious and unashamed way.

He was totally staring at her.

To give someone a look that expresses disbelief or shock.

When he said that, I just stared.