scorch

[ skawrch ]

/ skɔrtʃ /

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See synonyms for: scorch / scorched / scorches / scorching on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to affect the color, taste, etc., of by burning slightly: The collar of the shirt was yellow where the iron had scorched it.

to parch or shrivel with heat: The sun scorched the grass.

to criticize severely.

Machinery. burn¹ (def. 32).

to destroy (crops, towns, etc.) by or as if by fire in the path of an invading army's advance.

verb (used without object)

to become scorched: Milk scorches easily.

Informal. to travel or drive at high speed: The car scorched along the highway.

noun

a superficial burn.

OTHER WORDS FOR scorch

1 char, blister.

3 excoriate, condemn.

See synonyms for scorch on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR scorch

3 laud.

See antonyms for scorch on Thesaurus.com

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of scorch

1400–50; late Middle English scorchen, perhaps blend of scorcnen (<Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skorpna to shrivel) and torch¹

synonym study for scorch

1. See burn¹.

OTHER WORDS FROM scorch

un·scorched, adjectivewell-scorched, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scorch in a sentence

As soon as his meagre back was turned Knight stooped and retrieved the letter in its envelope, unscorched, from the fireplace.
The Second Latchkey|Charles Norris Williamson and Alice Muriel Williamson
She had been tried in the fires of hell and came forth unscorched.
The Foolish Virgin|Thomas Dixon
This raking of ashes in the hope of finding something of value unscorched was not a pleasant task for the young lawyer.
Kennedy Square|F. Hopkinson Smith
His brain felt withered, his mind had only one of its many-sighted eyes left open and unscorched.
Aaron's Rod|D. H. Lawrence

If he threw them into the fire, they hopped back to him unscorched; if he killed them, others came to take their place.
History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth. Vol. II.|James Anthony Froude

British Dictionary definitions for scorch

scorch

/ (skɔːtʃ) /

verb

to burn or become burnt, so as to affect the colour, taste, etc, or to cause or feel pain

to wither or parch or cause to wither from exposure to heat

(intr) informal to be very hotit is scorching outside

(tr) informal to criticize harshly

(intr) British slang to drive or ride very fast

noun

a slight burn

a mark caused by the application of too great heat

horticulture a mark or series of marks on fruit, vegetables, etc, caused by pests or insecticides

Derived forms of scorch

scorching, adjective

Word Origin for scorch

C15: probably from Old Norse skorpna to shrivel up

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

scorch

OTHER WORDS FOR scorch

OPPOSITES FOR scorch

Origin of scorch

synonym study for scorch

OTHER WORDS FROM scorch

Words related to scorch

How to use scorch in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scorch

Derived forms of scorch

Word Origin for scorch