To stare means to look at something or someone for a long time without looking away, often with your eyes wide open. When you stare at something, you're giving it your full, steady attention with an unwavering gaze.

People stare for different reasons. You might stare in amazement at a spectacular sunset, losing track of time as the sky fills with orange and purple. A scientist might stare through a microscope at cells, concentrating deeply on tiny details. Sometimes people stare when they're confused or trying to figure something out, like staring at a difficult math problem.

But staring can also make people uncomfortable. If you stare at someone in the cafeteria, they'll probably notice and wonder why you're looking at them so intently.

The word captures that quality of fixed, unbroken attention. A quick look is a glance. A longer, interested look is a gaze. But when your eyes lock onto something and stay there, that's a stare. You might break your stare when someone waves a hand in front of your face and asks, “Hello? Are you even listening?”