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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Synonym Usage

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

Season the skirt steak with salt and black pepper, then sear in batches until deeply browned around the edges, about 2–3 minutes per side.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

“I can still put your sear marks on your steak or burger with an infrared grill that’s fully electric,” said Langerud.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

The subtle highs and lows create ridges, which sear, and recessed pockets that promote airflow and deter sticking.

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

Jinjoo furrowed her eyebrows as she tried to sear into her memory the look and taste of the most delicious candy she’d ever eaten.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• blight
• scorch
• sizzle
• toast