scorching

[ skawr-ching ]

/ ˈskɔr tʃɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR scorching ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

burning; very hot.

caustic or scathing: a scorching denunciation.

Nearby words

scorbutigenic, scorch, scorched earth policy, scorched-earth policy, scorcher, scorching, scordatura, scordinema, score, score draw, score off

Origin of scorching

First recorded in 1555–65; scorch + -ing²

Related forms

scorch·ing·ly, adverbun·scorch·ing, adjective

Definition for scorching (2 of 2)

scorch

[ skawrch ]

/ skɔrtʃ /

verb (used with object)

to affect the color, taste, etc., of by burning slightly: The collar of the shirt was yellow where the iron had scorched it.

to parch or shrivel with heat: The sun scorched the grass.

to criticize severely.

Machinery. burn¹(def 31).

to destroy (crops, towns, etc.) by or as if by fire in the path of an invading army's advance.

verb (used without object)

to become scorched: Milk scorches easily.

Informal. to travel or drive at high speed: The car scorched along the highway.

noun

a superficial burn.

Origin of scorch

1400–50; late Middle English scorchen, perhaps blend of scorcnen (< Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skorpna to shrivel) and torch¹

SYNONYMS FOR scorch

1 char, blister.

3 excoriate, condemn.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR scorch ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR scorch

3 laud.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR scorch ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

un·scorched, adjectivewell-scorched, adjective

Synonym study

1. See burn¹.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for scorching

However, the ongoing bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine is apparently still too scorching a hot-button issue to touch.
Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire Posts Pro-Palestine Photo, Allegedly Cyberbullies Israeli-Born MTV VJ|Robert Silverman|July 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Of course there is high-volume, scorching human vanity at large here.
Introducing ‘Breatharianism,’ The Dumbest Diet of All Time|Kent Sepkowitz|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Combined with zombie-slaying stunts and the scorching Georgia heat, conditions on set can be grueling.
The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus Says Michonne’s Cute, Wouldn’t Mind a Romance|Melissa Leon|November 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Sure, all of these folks share healthy egos and a scorching ambition, but come on, we are talking about American politics here.
How Bad Is It? Even Ann Coulter Has Turned On Conservatives|Michelle Cottle|October 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Scorpio Rising by R.G. Vliet One of the most scorching, incandescent romances ever.
Rick Bass: The Best Books ’Bout Texas|Rick Bass|September 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He shivered clammily as he finished and reached for a scorching glass of whisky on the table.
The Sick-a-Bed Lady|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
Oh, if Swift had been there to see it, what a scorching satire we should have had!
The Little Manx Nation - 1891|Hall Caine
All that was bright and attractive in Mark had melted away before the scorching, withering flame of alcohol.
Nearly Lost but Dearly Won|Theodore P. Wilson
Place over the fire and cook until the mixture becomes thick, stirring constantly to keep it from scorching.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
This is our time; we may now loiter at our ease secure from the swift and scorching sarcasms of the crowded dawn.
A Wanderer in Paris|E. V. Lucas

British Dictionary definitions for scorching

scorch

/ (skɔːtʃ) /

verb

to burn or become burnt, so as to affect the colour, taste, etc, or to cause or feel pain

to wither or parch or cause to wither from exposure to heat

(intr) informal to be very hotit is scorching outside

(tr) informal to criticize harshly

(intr) British slang to drive or ride very fast

noun

a slight burn

a mark caused by the application of too great heat

horticulture a mark or series of marks on fruit, vegetables, etc, caused by pests or insecticides

Derived Forms

scorching, adjective

Word Origin for scorch

C15: probably from Old Norse skorpna to shrivel up

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

scorching

adjective

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of scorching

Related forms

Definition for scorching (2 of 2)

scorch

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

noun

Origin of scorch

SYNONYMS FOR scorch

ANTONYMS FOR scorch

Related forms

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for scorching

British Dictionary definitions for scorching

scorch

verb

noun

Derived Forms

Word Origin for scorch