scorching

[ skawr-ching ]

adjective

1. burning; very hot.
2. caustic or scathing:

   a scorching denunciation.

Other Words From

• scorching·ly adverb
• un·scorching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scorching¹

First recorded in 1555–65; scorch + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Against Bangladesh, he lit up the field with a scorching century.

From BBC

Instead, the planet has likely been a scorching, inhospitable world for its entire history.

From Science Daily

Now, my collection of action figures has been pushed into the scorching attic.

From Salon

Day laborers sort red chilies that have been dried in the scorching sunshine of India’s Andhra Pradesh state.

From Science Magazine

But the jolly tone gives way to something fiercer and more appropriately epic: a galloping rhythm on the drums, insistent bass and scorching guitar notes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• blistering
• fiery
• searing
• sizzling
• sweltering