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

And when hot conditions leave mountain soils parched, melting snow can be absorbed into the ground before runoff reaches streams and rivers.

From Los Angeles Times

The 160-acre parcel, in the parched, south-central San Luis Valley of Colorado, had been decimated by drought and overdrawn water rights and was no longer viable for farming crops or livestock.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was imported from Europe, suitable wood being scarce in the parched Egyptian landscape.

From The Wall Street Journal

The hot climate and sandy, parched soil make this an unlikely place for fruit and vegetables – or so you might think.

From BBC

She tossed her head and heaved herself through the foam, ignoring the sticks and rocks that beat against her legs, ignoring the urge to stop and fill her parched mouth.

From Literature

Related Words

• evaporate
• scorch
• sear