Stare \Stare\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. stared; p. pr. & vb. n. staring.]

[AS. starian; akin to LG. & D. staren, OHG. star[=e]n, G. starren, Icel. stara; cf. Icel. stira, Dan. stirre, Sw. stirra, and G. starr stiff, rigid, fixed, Gr. ? solid (E. stereo-), Skr. sthira firm, strong. [root]166. Cf. Sterile.]

1. To look with fixed eyes wide open, as through fear, wonder, surprise, impudence, etc.; to fasten an earnest and prolonged gaze on some object.

For ever upon the ground I see thee stare. --Chaucer.

Look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret. --Shak.

2. To be very conspicuous on account of size, prominence, color, or brilliancy; as, staring windows or colors.

3. To stand out; to project; to bristle. [Obs.]

Makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare. --Shak.

Take off all the staring straws and jags in the hive. --Mortimer.

Syn: To gaze; to look earnestly. See Gaze.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)