outstares
Wins gazing contest
To outstare someone is to stare at them longer or more intensely than they stare back, forcing them to look away first: She outstared him until he dropped his gaze.
The word suggests a contest of wills conducted through eye contact, where breaking the gaze means yielding.
Fierce stare or brightness
fixation · intensity · penetration · scrutiny · watchfulness · observation · unblinking · piercing
Unblinking confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- challengeTest of ability
intimidation · dominance · contest · duel · battle · rivalry · opposition · clash
Firmness of purpose
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
fortitude · endurance · resilience · grit · unyielding · unflinching · doggedness · stubbornness
glare
Fierce stare or brightness
eyeball · fixation · intensity · penetration · scrutiny · watchfulness · observation · unblinking · piercing · steely
staredown
Unblinking confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
challenge · intimidation · dominance · contest · duel · battle · rivalry · opposition · clash · encounter
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
willpower · fortitude · endurance · resilience · grit · unyielding · unflinching · doggedness · stubbornness · perseverance
outstaresblinks first
Concedes in confrontation
yields · backs down · flinches · submits · cowers