staring

American  

[stair-ing] / ˈstɛər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. gazing fixedly and intently, especially with the eyes wide open.

   Standing in front of Jane’s staring face, Ravi lifted the conch shell above his head and smashed it into a hundred pieces on the floor.

2. boldly, inescapably, or obnoxiously conspicuous; glaring.

   Whenever I dwell on my own shortcomings, they begin to seem mild and harmless, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters.

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adverb

1. Chiefly British. glaringly or conspicuously; thoroughly (often preceded bystark ).

   This "borrow and spend" policy is stark staring bonkers.

Other Word Forms

• staringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of staring

star(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

It was as if they were staring at the AI industry’s broader dilemma: whether to move boldly into uncertain territory or wait for clarity and risk falling behind.

From The Wall Street Journal

His family regularly catches him pacing through the basement or standing at the sink staring at nothing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fact: Many people spend hours slouching while staring at a computer or focusing on cellphones that draw the eyes down and curve the neck.

From Science Daily

At his new trial, Rhodes would often sit staring ahead, his eyes occasionally darting over to the 12 people hearing his case.

From BBC

Some are rebuilding, while others are staring down the monumental task of doing so.

From Los Angeles Times