parch

American  

[pahrch] / pɑrtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to make extremely, excessively, or completely dry, as heat, sun, and wind do.

   Synonyms:

   shrivel , dry

2. to make dry, hot, or thirsty.

   Walking in the sun parched his throat.

3. to dry (peas, beans, grain, etc.) by exposure to heat without burning; to toast or roast slightly.

   A staple of the Indian diet was parched corn.

4. to dry or shrivel with cold.

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verb (used without object)

1. to suffer from heat, thirst, or need of water.

2. to become parched; undergo drying by heat.

3. to dry (usually followed byup ).

parch British  

/ pɑːtʃ /

verb

1. to deprive or be deprived of water; dry up

   the sun parches the fields

2. (tr; usually passive) to make very thirsty

   I was parched after the run

3. (tr) to roast (corn, etc) lightly

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Other Word Forms

• parchable adjective
• parchingly adverb
• unparching adjective

Etymology

Origin of parch

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perchen; further origin unknown

Example Sentences

That’s not just from the recent storms — early-season rains tend to soak into the parched ground — but also because California is building on three prior wet winters, state climatologist Michael Anderson said.

From Los Angeles Times

As part of the water-saving efforts, farmers in California’s Imperial Valley are temporarily leaving some hay fields parched and fallow in exchange for cash payments.

From Los Angeles Times

It has endured millennia of drought and war in this parched land scarred by conflict.

From Barron's

Their front yard was pathetic: basically 1,500 square feet of weeds and parched patches of Bermuda lawn.

From Los Angeles Times

The pumping has led to resentment among leaders of Native tribes, who say it is leaving their valley parched and harming the environment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• evaporate
• scorch
• sear