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

Normally, Andre would laugh at her clumsiness, but he’s too busy staring at the line of cars in utter bewilderment.

From Literature

Rowan opened his eyes and found himself staring into the serious face of Strong Jonn.

From Literature

It was like staring into a field of fireflies, twinkling and blinking and vanishing and reappearing.

From Literature

And staring right into his eyeballs I told him, “There is never enough time for fun.”

From Literature

Marco walked up as Chase was staring at a painting of a man holding a whip, dressed in a red coat, white pants, knee-high black boots, and a black top hat.

From Literature