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View synonyms for

scorch

[ skawrch ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to affect the color, taste, etc., of by burning slightly:

    The collar of the shirt was yellow where the iron had scorched it.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to parch or shrivel with heat:

    The sun scorched the grass.

  3. to criticize severely.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  4. Machinery. burn 1( def 32 ).
  5. to destroy (crops, towns, etc.) by or as if by fire in the path of an invading army's advance.


verb (used without object)

  1. to become scorched:

    Milk scorches easily.

  2. Informal. to travel or drive at high speed:

    The car scorched along the highway.

noun

  1. a superficial burn.

scorch

/ ɔːʃ /

verb

  1. to burn or become burnt, so as to affect the colour, taste, etc, or to cause or feel pain
  2. to wither or parch or cause to wither from exposure to heat
  3. informal.
    intr to be very hot

    it is scorching outside

  4. informal.
    tr to criticize harshly
  5. slang.
    intr to drive or ride very fast
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a slight burn
  2. a mark caused by the application of too great heat
  3. horticulture a mark or series of marks on fruit, vegetables, etc, caused by pests or insecticides
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈǰ󾱲Բ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲ·ǰ adjective
  • ɱ-ǰ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scorch1

1400–50; late Middle English scorchen, perhaps blend of scorcnen (< Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skorpna to shrivel) and torch 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scorch1

C15: probably from Old Norse skorpna to shrivel up
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Synonym Study

See burn 1.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

As we walked through the valley, Ms Sampson discovered a live frog and long worm in among the scorched grass.

From

Over nine minutes and six seconds it achieves Caligulan levels of excess, full of scorching guitar solos, throat-shredding vocal runs, and even an orchestral coda.

From

Hundreds wait under a scorching sun to board metal boats bound for Malakal.

From

Avoid burning: Steer clear of solid glaze elements that might scorch, like garlic cloves.

From

In the arid, scorching heat of California, an oasis appeared.

From

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scorbuticscorched-earth policy