[syn: arrant(a), complete(a), consummate(a), double-dyed(a), everlasting(a), gross(a), perfect(a), pure(a), sodding(a), stark(a), staring(a), thoroughgoing(a), utter(a), unadulterated]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
stare \stare\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. stared (st[^a]rd); 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. stereo`s 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.
[1913 Webster]
For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.
--Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
Look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To be very conspicuous on account of size, prominence,
color, or brilliancy; as, staring windows or colors.
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3. To stand out; to project; to bristle. [Obs.]
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Makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare. --Shak.
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Take off all the staring straws and jags in the
hive. --Mortimer.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To gaze; to look earnestly. See Gaze.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
staring
adj 1: (used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder;
"staring eyes" [syn: agaze, staring]
2: without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative)
intensifiers; "an arrant fool"; "a complete coward"; "a
consummate fool"; "a double-dyed villain"; "gross
negligence"; "a perfect idiot"; "pure folly"; "what a sodding
mess"; "stark staring mad"; "a thoroughgoing villain"; "utter
nonsense"; "the unadulterated truth" [syn: arrant(a),
complete(a), consummate(a), double-dyed(a),
everlasting(a), gross(a), perfect(a), pure(a),
sodding(a), stark(a), staring(a), thoroughgoing(a),
utter(a), unadulterated]