The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EYEBALLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
Y
E
B
A
L
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result EYEBALLED
- Watched and heard the writer with no hair
- Stared at and, yes, cried aloud
- Watched closely as the writer shouted to be heard
- Confronted writer cried noisily
- Being stared at, I sobbed loudly
- Confronted, this setter cried loudly
- Your setter cried allowed, getting stared at
- Stared at Rodriguez after close shave, it’s said
- I cried aloud being stared at
- 28a
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Watched closely" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case watched closely = eyeballed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EYEBALLED mean?
EYEBALLED verb- To gauge, estimate or judge by eye, rather than measuring precisely; to look or glance at.
- To scrutinize
- To stare at intently
- To roll one's eyes.
- (in combination) Having some specific type of eyeball