Final answer:
Stare mode in missile guidance systems is when the seeker locks onto a target and maintains focus on it, following the target's movements without scanning other areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of missile guidance systems, the term stare mode refers to a specific state of a guided missile's seeker head. The seeker is the component that detects and tracks the target. When in stare mode, the seeker typically locks onto the target and follows it, maintaining a continuous aim at the target's current position. Unlike a scanning mode, which is designed to constantly scan a specific area or scan a broad area for potential targets, stare mode involves focusing exclusively on the designated target and tracking its movements, essentially 'staring' at the target without deviation.