Staring - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT staring /ˈstɛrɪŋ/ /ˈstɛrɪŋ/ IPA guide

Staring — an open-eyed look of interest or amazement — is most often used as a verb but can also be an adjective. The man asked what you were staring at and his staring eyes seemed to look right through you.

The word staring comes from the root word stare, a fixed gaze. Its early meaning was "to be rigid," or "to stiffen," and later became "to look fixedly at." Staring is often rude, unless the person you are staring at is putting on a performance. Staring at the sun is not a good idea, since it can damage your eyes. When an answer is "staring you in the face," it should be obvious.

Definitions of staring

adjective (used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder “staring eyes” synonyms: agaze open, opened used of mouth or eyes
adjective without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers “stark staring mad” synonyms: arrant, complete, consummate, double-dyed, everlasting, gross, perfect, pure, sodding, stark, thoroughgoing, unadulterated, utter unmitigated not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier

Pronunciation US /ˈstɛrɪŋ/ UK /ˈstɛrɪŋ/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘staring'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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