WordGarden.iostare
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈeə/
US
- /ˈstɛr/
Meanings
Verb
to look fixedly and often for a long time
Noun
a fixed or prolonged look
Beyond the definition
To stare is to look at something for a long time without looking away, often because of surprise, wonder, or even bad manners. You might stare at a beautiful painting, a shocking accident, or someone doing something silly. It's more than just looking; it means keeping your eyes on something with strong attention. A friendly look is different from a stare, because a stare can make people feel uncomfortable. Think of a cat watching its prey. That focused, steady look is a perfect example.
A stare isn't simply looking; it's a long, fixed gaze, often with very little blinking and a strong sense of focus. It can show many different feelings or intentions depending on the situation. You might stare in awe at a beautiful sunset, completely lost in its beauty. Or you might stare in disbelief at something unexpected, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
However, a stare can also be impolite or even threatening. Looking directly at someone for too long can make them uncomfortable and is often considered rude in many cultures. A long, unblinking stare might signal hostility or challenge. Think of the classic Western standoff, with two cowboys staring each other down before a duel.
The verb "to stare" suggests a high level of attention or fascination. It's not a quick glance; it's a steady focus. You can also use "stare" in a figurative way, like saying someone is "lost in a daydream and staring into space."
So whether it's caused by wonder, shock, rudeness, or simply deep thought, a stare is a strong visual act that communicates more than just sight. It can reveal intention, emotion, and attention.
Examples
- 1
Infant attention
The baby stared at the ceiling fan for ten minutes.
- 2
Social manners
It's rude to stare at strangers.
- 3
Travel
She stared out the window for most of the trip.
- 4
Silent reaction
When I told him I was leaving, he just stared at me in silence.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Shock reaction
After the accident, he sat on the curb, staring into space.
- Phrasestare into space
look ahead without really noticing anything
- 6
Emergency response
Don't just stand there and stare. Call an ambulance.
- 7
Confrontation
She gave him a hard stare across the table.
- 8
Confusion
His explanation was met with a few blank stares.
- Phraseblank stare
a look that shows no understanding or expression
- 9
Intimidation
The two players stared each other down before the match.
- Phrasestare someone down
keep looking at someone to show confidence or make them look away
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- starenounverb
Forms
- staring-ing formverbnoun
- staredpast tenseverbnoun
- starespluralnounverb