What are the definitions of “stare down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look at someone until they cannot look at you.
He was angry but I STARED him DOWN and he left without saying much.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stare down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stare down is to look at someone intently and continuously until they cannot maintain eye contact and look away. This action is often used to assert dominance or intimidate someone.
What are the different verb forms of “stare down”?
| Root Verb | stare down |
| Third Person Singular Present | stares down |
| Present Participle | staring down |
| Simple Past | stared down |
| Past Participle | stared down |
Example
She tried to stare down her opponent during the debate.
Example
He stares down anyone who challenges his authority.
Example
She is staring down her rival in the competition.
Example
He stared down the bully, and the bully backed off.
Example
The teacher stared down the misbehaving student until he apologized.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stare down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“stare down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She stared down her opponent during the debate.
Example
He stared the bully down and the bully backed off.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“stare down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She stared down her opponent during the debate.
Example
He stared the bully down and the bully backed off.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stare down”?
Good things to know
Does “stare down” have an informal or formal tone?
Stare down is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in some situations, it may be more appropriate to use a synonym like 'outstare' or 'intimidate' in formal writing or speech.
