scratch
verb (used with object)
to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
had scratched
-
past perfectof scratch.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Flowers had scratched and clawed at its tormentor to no avail.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 8, 2022
Two months earlier, Rushing had scratched the side of a truck by bumping it into a barbecue unit at Roxhill Park, according to Baker’s deposition.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 27, 2022
In red pen, somebody had scratched out the “University of Mississippi Health Care” logo on John’s blue scrub top, replacing it with “Patient.”
From Washington Times ● Jul. 22, 2017
The early parts read as if he had scratched them in pencil, ecstatically, onto his cell wall.
From New York Times ● Mar. 20, 2017
Lina stared miserably down at a letter B someone had scratched into her desktop long ago.
From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau
