searing

American  

[seer-ing] / ˈsɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving to burn or char the surface of something, especially of food in order to seal in the juices before cooking.

   Sizzle the rump steak over white-hot coals, under a searing grill, or in a blistering griddle pan.

2. burning or scorching.

   The charge exploded prematurely and the truck was engulfed in searing flames.

3. sharp, penetrating, and severe, like the feeling of being burned.

   For weeks now I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night with searing pain in my ankles.

   Her recent documentary was a searing indictment of the crimes of Stalinism.

4. withering or parching.

   Grass that’s allowed to grow long is like a living mulch, protecting and shielding the root system from the searing heat of summer.

5. leaving a permanent emotional scar.

   He was never to recover from the searing experience of what he saw in the war.

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noun

1. the act of burning or charring the surface of something, especially of food.

   The searing of the vegetables and meat should be done over a very hot burner and with excellent ventilation.

2. the act of branding or marking with a hot iron.

   One of his arms was branded like that of a convict, the flesh still swollen from the searing of the iron.

3. the act of hardening or scarring emotionally, or the resulting condition.

   Were it not for the searing of their conscience, they would realize that what they’re doing is wrong.

4. sharp, penetrating, severe pain.

   I tried to ignore the searing in my muscles after hours of paddling against the current.

Etymology

Origin of searing

First recorded in 1350–1400; sear ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; sear ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Explanation

When something is intense, it's searing. If you fall while roller skating, the searing pain in your leg is a sign that you've really hurt yourself. Searing comes from the verb sear, "burn or brand." The searing heat of the sun beating down on a sweltering day might make you seek relief in the icy cold ocean — it's that powerful. This adjective usually describes extreme heat or pain, but you can also use it for similarly intense criticism. Don't let your debate opponent's searing rebuttal fluster you!

Example Sentences

Stock markets have been beset by commentary comparing current levels, powered by searing tech stocks, to the dotcom era of the late 1990s.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

India faces challenging heatwaves each year, but few places endure conditions as searing as the country's western desert salt pans, where workers rely on simple techniques to survive almost unbearable temperatures.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

The construction of the $400-million ballroom on the White House grounds has come under searing scrutiny.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Lloyd's searing finish was at least a moment to savour after Nelson's terrific vision and kick, as well as Rollie's well-timed pass.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

He was now glaring at Moss, his eyes searing into him.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• baking
• blazing
• blistering
• fiery
• incandescent
• scalding
• scorching
• sizzling
• sweltering
• torrid