to gaze fixedly and intently, esp. with the eyes wide open.

to be boldly or obtrusively conspicuous

The bright modern painting stares out at you in the otherwise conservative gallery.

(of hair, feathers, etc.) to stand on end; bristle.

to stare at

to stare a person up and down.

to effect or have a certain effect on by staring

to stare one out of countenance.

a staring gaze; a fixed look with the eyes wide open

The banker greeted him with a glassy stare.

stare down, to cause to become uncomfortable by gazing steadily at one; overcome by staring

A nonsmoker at the next table tried to stare me down.

stare one in the face

to be urgent or impending; confront

The income-tax deadline is staring us in the face.