stare

Stare (noun and verb) refers to the act of looking at something or someone with the eyes fixed and often wide open. As a verb, to stare means to gaze steadily and intently, sometimes with surprise or consternation. The phrase can also describe looking fixedly through or past something, or staring into space when daydreaming or distracted. As a noun, a stare is the act or instance of such a gaze: a long, fixed look.

Social and cultural aspects: A stare can convey attention, curiosity, disbelief, attraction, anger, or aggression depending on context and facial expression. Staring at someone in public is often regarded as impolite or threatening, whereas steady eye contact can signal confidence or interest. In some cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect, while in others sustained gaze may be customary to show engagement.

Physiology and cognition: Staring involves sustained fixation of the eyes, reduced saccadic movement, and heightened attention. Prolonged staring can lead to eye fatigue and is influenced by lighting and distance. Clinically, brief periods of unresponsiveness and staring can occur as abrupt events, such as in certain absence seizures, where a person may appear to stare blankly for several seconds.

In use and meaning: The term is common in everyday speech and in literature to portray focus, scrutiny, or confrontation. Related terms include gaze, glare, eye contact, and the idioms stare down and stare at.