fixed stare

[ˈfɪkst stɛr]
nounpl: fixed stares
olhar fixo
1. a steady, unwavering gaze directed at someone or something without blinking or looking away
She maintained a fixed stare at the painting for several minutes.
Ela manteve um olhar fixo na pintura por vários minutos.
2. an intense and often uncomfortable gaze that suggests concentration, confusion, or emotional intensity
His fixed stare made everyone in the room feel uncomfortable.
Seu olhar fixo deixou todos na sala desconfortáveis.
In Brazilian culture, a fixed stare can be considered confrontational or rude in certain contexts, whereas in other situations it may indicate deep thought or respect. In New York City, a fixed stare is often avoided in public spaces as it can be perceived as aggressive or a challenge.
NYC Slang
the hard stare / dead stare
Synonyms / Sinônimos
steady gazeunwavering lookintense starepiercing gazeblank stare
Antonyms / Antônimos
glanceglimpsewandering gazefleeting look

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
olhar fixo
most common and standard translation
Rio de Janeiro
olhar fixo / olhada fixa
both forms used interchangeably
São Paulo
olhar fixo
standard usage, sometimes 'encarada' in colloquial speech
Portugal
olhar fixo
same as Brazilian Portuguese, sometimes 'encaradura' in informal contexts

Related Words

gazestareeyesightconcentrationattentionwatchful

Related Idioms & Phrases

stare someone down
give someone the eye
a thousand-yard stare
eyes glazed over
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