staredown
Silent intimidation contest
A staredown is a confrontation where two parties lock eyes, each refusing to look away first.
The one who breaks eye contact loses.
The term applies literally to actual staring contests and figuratively to any tense standoff: The union and management are in a staredown over wages.
Also spelled stare-down.
Decisive final confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
feud · dispute · altercation · tension · hostility · antagonism · animosity · enmity
Fierce stare or brightness
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
bullying · pressure · fear · overbearing · daunting · unyielding · intense · forceful
Not closing one's eyes
- locked eyesSustained mutual staring
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- narrowed eyesPartially closed lids, distrustful
intense gaze · side-eye · hard look · daggers
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
perseverance · fortitude · persistence · stubbornness · obstinacy · mettle · backbone · nerve
Mutual blocking, no progress
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- Mexican standoffMultiparty armed deadlock
- waiting gameStrategy of deliberate delay
- silenceTotal lack of sound
tension · stillness · pause · freeze · anticipation · patience · watchfulness · war of nerves
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
rivalry · feud · dispute · altercation · tension · hostility · antagonism · animosity · enmity · aggression
glare
Fierce stare or brightness
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
coercion · bullying · pressure · fear · overbearing · daunting · unyielding · intense · forceful · assertiveness
unblinking
Not closing one's eyes
- locked eyesSustained mutual staring
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- glareFierce stare or brightness
intense gaze · narrowed eyes · side-eye · hard look · daggers
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
steadfastness · perseverance · fortitude · persistence · stubbornness · obstinacy · mettle · backbone · nerve · spunk
deadlock
Mutual blocking, no progress
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- Mexican standoffMultiparty armed deadlock
- waiting gameStrategy of deliberate delay
silence · tension · stillness · pause · freeze · anticipation · patience · watchfulness · war of nerves · holding pattern
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
- intimidationthreats, threatening, menacing, intimidate, bullying
- showdownsshowdown, face-off, faceoff, confrontation, duel
- MMAMMA, mixed martial arts, UFC, octagon, cage
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- High Stakesdo-or-die, do or die, make-or-break, make or break, life or death
staredownshouting match
Angry loud dispute
war of words · fistfight · physical confrontation · brawl · argument
staredownbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
looking away · capitulation · retreat · avoidance · submission
staredownembrace
Hold closely in arms
reconciliation · handshake · warm greeting · friendly exchange · peace offering
down, stare, downs, staring, downcast, downturn, downer, stared, stares