scotch

¹

[skoch]

verb (used with object)

1. to put a definite end to; crush; stamp out; foil.

   to scotch a rumor; to scotch a plan.

2. to cut, gash, or score.

3. to injure so as to make harmless.

4. to block or prop with a wedge or chock.

noun

1. a cut, gash, or score.

2. a block or wedge put under a wheel, barrel, etc., to prevent slipping.

scotch

²

[skoch]

verb (used with object)

Masonry.

1. scutch.

Scotch

³

[skoch]

adjective

1. (used outside of Scotland) of Scottish origin; resembling or regarded as characteristic of Scotland or the Scottish people.

   Scotch plaid.

2. Sometimes Offensive.,  of or relating to Scotland or its inhabitants; Scottish.

3. (usually lowercase),  frugal; provident; thrifty.

noun

1. (used with a plural verb),  the inhabitants of Scotland; the Scots.

2. (often lowercase),  Scotch whisky.

3. Sometimes Offensive.,  the English language as spoken in Scotland; Scots.

scotch

¹

/ skɒtʃ /

verb

1. to put an end to; crush

   bad weather scotched our plans

2. archaic,  to injure so as to render harmless

3. obsolete,  to cut or score

noun

1. archaic,  a gash; scratch

2. a line marked down, as for hopscotch

Scotch

²

/ skɒtʃ /

adjective

1. another word for Scottish

noun

1. the Scots or their language

Scotch

³

/ skɒtʃ /

noun

1. Also called: Scotch whisky. whisky distilled esp from fermented malted barley and made in Scotland

2. a type of relatively mild beer

scotch

⁴

/ skɒtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to block, prop, or prevent from moving with or as if with a wedge

noun

1. a block or wedge to prevent motion

Usage

In the north of England and in Scotland, Scotch is not used outside fixed expressions such as Scotch whisky. The use of Scotch for Scots or Scottish is otherwise felt to be incorrect, esp when applied to people

Confusables Note

The natives of Scotland refer to themselves as Scots or, in the singular, Scot, Scotsman, or Scotswoman. The related adjectives are Scottish or, less commonly, Scots. Scotch as a noun or adjective is objected to by the Scots except when used of whisky and in established phrases like Scotch egg and Scotch pine. In the United States, Scotch is often used in inforrmal speech and writing where the Scots themselves, or some Americans of Scottish descent, would prefer Scottish or Scots. The term Scotch-Irish is standard in the United States for the descendants of the Scots of Ulster who immigrated to America beginning in the 18th century.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scotch¹

1375–1425; late Middle English scocche (noun and v.), perhaps blend of score and notch (> Anglo-French escocher )

Origin of scotch²

First recorded in 1585–95; syncopated variant of Scottish

Word History and Origins

Origin of scotch¹

C15: of obscure origin

Origin of scotch²

C17: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The profile described a man in the fullness of middle age, harvesting the benefits he had earned, drinking the best wines and single-malt scotch, driving appropriately luxurious but not ostentatious vehicles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During the Vanity Fair interview, she also touched on being the subject of tabloid rumours, such as one linking her romantically to President Barack Obama, which she scotched last year on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

Read more on BBC

Government sources have been scotching the suggestion that a formal review of the policy is under way.

Read more on BBC

He drinks aged scotch with people he barely likes and eats brunch at the country club he’ll soon be unable to afford.

Read more on Salon

The pairing of Rockwell and Goggins, simply sipping on scotch and chamomile tea as it all unfolded, was stunning to watch.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bring down curtain www.thesaurus.com
• bring to an end www.thesaurus.com
• crush 
• end 
• nip in the bud 
• put a stop to www.thesaurus.com
• put an end to 
• put paid to 
• put the lid on 
• squelch 
• stamp out