scorched-earth policy
noun
a military practice of devastating the property and agriculture of an area before abandoning it to an advancing enemy.
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scorched-earth policy
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scorched earth policy
scorched earth policynounthe policy in warfare of removing or destroying everything that might be useful to an invading enemy, esp by fire
scorched-earth policy
American
[skawrcht-urth]
/ ˈskɔrtʃtˈɜrθ /
noun
scorched earth policy
British
noun
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the policy in warfare of removing or destroying everything that might be useful to an invading enemy, esp by fire
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commerce a manoeuvre by a company expecting an unwelcome takeover bid in which apparent profitability is greatly reduced by a reversible operation, such as borrowing at an exorbitant interest rate
Etymology
Origin of scorched-earth policy
1935–40; apparently translation of Chinese jiāotǔ zhèngcè
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.
See Examples For:
Civilians suffered greatly, too, with Russia’s Great Retreat accompanied by a scorched-earth policy meant to leave nothing for the German occupiers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
“He can’t run a scorched-earth policy again,” Mr. Emanuel said.
From New York Times ● Nov. 4, 2020
It follows a similar psychological scorched-earth policy, albeit in a more abstract, cerebral key.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2015
“That was the scorched-earth policy — that they were going to take no prisoners. It made me try everything, and so I tried everything, and we won everything.”
From Washington Post ● Jan. 8, 2015
The Soviet scorched-earth policy slowed the advance of the German army.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012
During hearings last month in the court, lawyers for Nexperia accused Wingtech of a "scorched earth" policy in its bid to wrest control of the company.
From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026
Brendan Cox, husband of murdered MP Jo Cox and founder of Survivors Against Terror said the new definition was "not the scorched earth policy that we feared a few weeks ago".
From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2024
“Barring that kind of scorched earth policy, harvest thresholds to preserve social stability within the cougar population are the more responsible and scientifically defensible solution.”
From Salon ● Mar. 9, 2014
ThomsonLord mayor of Newcastle, 2000-2001 • Nobody is arguing that the arts should be sacrosanct, but a scorched earth policy seems the worst possible outcome.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 21, 2012
At $499 though, Apple pursued a scorched earth policy in tablets.
From Forbes ● Apr. 12, 2011
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