scar

¹ American  

[skahr] / skɑr /

noun

1. a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn.

2. a lasting aftereffect of trouble, especially a lasting psychological injury resulting from suffering or trauma.

3. any blemish remaining as a trace of or resulting from injury or use.

4. Botany. a mark indicating a former point of attachment, as where a leaf has fallen from a stem.

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verb (used with object)

scarred, scarring

1. to mark with a scar.

verb (used without object)

scarred, scarring

1. to form a scar in healing.

scar ² American  

[skahr] / skɑr /

noun

British.

1. a precipitous, rocky place; cliff.

2. a low or submerged rock in the sea.

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scar ¹ British  

/ skɑː /

noun

1. any mark left on the skin or other tissue following the healing of a wound

2. a permanent change in a person's character resulting from emotional distress

   his wife's death left its scars on him

3. the mark on a plant indicating the former point of attachment of a part, esp the attachment of a leaf to a stem

4. a mark of damage; blemish

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verb

1. to mark or become marked with a scar

2. (intr) to heal leaving a scar

scar ² British  

/ skɑː /

noun

1. an irregular enlongated trench-like feature on a land surface that often exposes bedrock

2. a similar formation in a river or sea

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Other Word Forms

• scarless adjective

Etymology

Origin of scar¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; shortening of eschar

Origin of scar²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English scarre, skerre, from Old Norse sker skerry

Example Sentences

McVay says that a lot, which is a good thing, because the Rams might leave this weekend as the most scarred team still in the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Earthquakes can cause loss of life, destroy buildings and roads, disrupt economies, and leave lasting emotional scars on those affected.

From Science Daily

When injury occurs, they switch into collagen-producing cells that build up scar tissue in the liver.

From Science Daily

Rourke’s “real and punishing” boxing career, which happened before and during his acting career, “left lasting physical and emotional scars,” the fundraiser says.

From Los Angeles Times

Emily still has the physical and mental scars of being so ill but feels lucky to be here.

From BBC

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• scab
• wound