sear

¹

[seer]

verb (used with object)

1. to burn or char the surface of.

   She seared the steak to seal in the juices.

2. to mark with a branding iron.

3. to burn or scorch injuriously or painfully.

   He seared his hand on a hot steam pipe.

4. to harden or scar emotionally.

   The traumatic experiences of her youth have permanently seared her.

5. to dry up or wither; parch.

verb (used without object)

1. to become dry or withered, as vegetation.

noun

1. a mark or scar made by searing.

adjective

1. sere.

sear

²

[seer]

noun

1. a pivoted piece that holds the hammer at full cock or half cock in the firing mechanism of small arms.

sear

¹

/ sɪə /

verb

1. to scorch or burn the surface of

2. to brand with a hot iron

3. to cause to wither or dry up

4. rare,  to make callous or unfeeling

noun

1. a mark caused by searing

adjective

1. poetic,  dried up

sear

²

/ sɪə /

noun

1. the catch in the lock of a small firearm that holds the hammer or firing pin cocked

Other Word Forms

• unseared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sear¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English adjective ser(e), Old English sēar; cognate with Dutch zoor; the verb is derivative of the adjective

Origin of sear²

First recorded in 1550–60; from Middle French serre “a grip,” derivative of serrer “to lock up, close,” ultimately from Late Latin serāre “to bar (a door)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sear¹

Old English sēarian to become withered, from sēar withered; related to Old High German sōrēn, Greek hauos dry, Sanskrit sōsa drought

Origin of sear²

C16: probably from Old French serre a clasp, from serrer to hold firmly, from Late Latin sērāre to bolt, from Latin sera a bar

Synonym Study

See burn ¹.

Example Sentences

Byrne’s searing portrayal of matriarchal duty at all costs is abrasive and uncomfortable.

Read more on Salon

"The horror of that dark day will be forever seared in the memories of us all," UN Secretary General António Guterres said.

Read more on BBC

The interactions are bracing but also a bit studied — the performers’ technique is more impressive than the story, which too often is merely a delivery device for misery disguised as searing truth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These were classic symptoms of fear — or in my case, a searing crush on an amazing woman.

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Her schedule listed a 30-minute walk-through at the pier with the mayor, followed by a nail salon appointment and dinner at Bleu Provence, which serves wagyu short ribs and seared foie gras.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• blight 
• scorch 
• sizzle 
• toast