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)”

Example Sentences

The first time Panahi shot that searing scene, he sensed it wasn’t coming together.

From Los Angeles Times

Australia resumed on 4-0 after an explosive opening day of searing pace saw 20 wickets fall with the hosts dismissed for 152 and England just 110.

From Barron's

The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory—they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Herbert’s nightmare performance against the Texans in the wild-card playoffs last season remains seared into his memory.

From Los Angeles Times

They work 24/7 at high speeds and get searingly hot - but data centre computer chips get plenty of pampering.

From BBC

Related Words

• blight
• scorch
• sizzle
• toast