itch

American  

[ich] / ɪtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to have or feel a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the part affected.

   My nose itches.

2. to cause such a feeling.

   This shirt itches.

3. Informal. to scratch a part that itches.

4. to have a desire to do or get something.

   to itch after fame.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to have an itch.

   His wool shirt always itches him.

2. Informal. to scratch (a part that itches).

   to itch a mosquito bite.

3. to annoy; vex; irritate.

   Her remarks itched me.

noun

1. the sensation of itching.

2. an uneasy or restless desire or longing.

   an itch for excitement.

3. Usually the itch a contagious disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows into the skin.

itch British  

/ ɪtʃ /

noun

1. an irritation or tickling sensation of the skin causing a desire to scratch

2. a restless desire

3. any skin disorder, such as scabies, characterized by intense itching

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verb

1. (intr) to feel or produce an irritating or tickling sensation

2. (intr) to have a restless desire (to do something)

3. not_standard to scratch (the skin)

4. a grasping nature; avarice

5. to be restless; have a desire to travel

Usage

What’s the difference between itch and scratch? An itch is a feeling of irritation on the skin, often one that makes you want to scratch it (scrape it or rub it). The word itch can also be used as a verb meaning to have this sensation (as in My leg itches) or to cause to itch (as in The tag on my shirt keeps itching me).Itch also has some more figurative meanings as both a noun and a verb.The reason you looked this up, though, is because itch is sometimes informally used to mean the same thing as scratch, as in Try not to itch your mosquito bites—it will only make them itchier! Language purists are often itching to clarify that you scratch an itch, but this verb use of itch is quite common.As a noun, the word scratch means something different—a cut or scrape, typically a minor one caused by something having scratched the skin, as in I got a few scratches from the thornbush. Here’s an example of itch and scratch used correctly in the same sentence.Example: I know your rash itches, but don’t scratch your itch so hard—you’ll leave a scratch on your arm!Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between itch and scratch. 

Other Word Forms

• anti-itch adjective
• itchiness noun
• itchy adjective

Etymology

Origin of itch

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb (y)icchen, Old English gicc(e)an; akin to German jucken, Dutch jeuken; noun derivative of the verb

Example Sentences

Norms eventually hopes to offer products for “the butt to the gut and beyond,” Katz said about future ventures for athlete’s foot, jock itch and constipation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Obviously, good for Jonesy, right?—but it makes my nose itch.

From Literature

I’m always itching for change, no matter what I’m doing.

From Los Angeles Times

"Very few people show up for their flight itching to pick a fight with another passenger," Mr Keyes said.

From BBC

While rapid gains often leave investors nervous, and itching to dump their biggest winners, investors should stay the course.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ache
• crave
• hanker
• thirst
• yearn