sear

¹ American  

[seer] / sɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. to burn or char the surface of.

   She seared the steak to seal in the juices.

2. to mark with a branding iron.

3. to burn or scorch injuriously or painfully.

   He seared his hand on a hot steam pipe.

4. to harden or scar emotionally.

   The traumatic experiences of her youth have permanently seared her.

5. to dry up or wither; parch.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become dry or withered, as vegetation.

noun

1. a mark or scar made by searing.

adjective

1. sere.

sear ² American  

[seer] / sɪər /

noun

1. a pivoted piece that holds the hammer at full cock or half cock in the firing mechanism of small arms.

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sear ¹ British  

/ sɪə /

verb

1. to scorch or burn the surface of

2. to brand with a hot iron

3. to cause to wither or dry up

4. rare to make callous or unfeeling

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noun

1. a mark caused by searing

adjective

1. poetic dried up

sear ² British  

/ sɪə /

noun

1. the catch in the lock of a small firearm that holds the hammer or firing pin cocked

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Related Words

See burn ¹.

Other Word Forms

• unseared adjective

Etymology

Origin of sear¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English adjective ser(e), Old English sēar; cognate with Dutch zoor; the verb is derivative of the adjective

Origin of sear²

First recorded in 1550–60; from Middle French serre “a grip,” derivative of serrer “to lock up, close,” ultimately from Late Latin serāre “to bar (a door)”

Explanation

To sear something is to quickly cook or burn its surface by applying intense heat. When making beef stew, the color and flavor are usually better if you sear the meat first. Sear comes from the Old English word searian which meant “dry up” or “wither.” Typically, the verb sear now refers to burning or scorching something with heat, but if you see the phrase “wind-seared,” it means that a place — or something left in that place — has been withered by exposure to the elements. An unpleasant image can be seared into your memory, meaning you can't forget it.

Example Sentences

Inspired by Alison Roman’s knack for giving pork chops real presence — the kind that demands a proper sear and a little attention — I started there.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

The chef seems to enjoy using the torch, often pulling it out to sear the nigiri.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

Pros like Cincinnati-based chef Jose Salazar told me they favor carbon-steel pans because they’re virtually indestructible, relatively affordable and about half the weight of cast iron, so they heat up faster and sear well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

The most intense heat I’d ever felt seemed like it would sear the only exposed skin on my body: my face.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

A dozen vows sear themselves into my mind.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Related Words

• blight
• scorch
• sizzle
• toast