verb
scorch
skawch
Scorch (verb) means to burn the surface of something, discolouring or damaging it without destroying it completely. Example: “The iron scorched a mark into the shirt.”
verb
1
To burn the surface of something, discolouring or damaging it without destroying it completely.
"The iron scorched a mark into the shirt."
"The summer sun scorched the lawn brown."
noun
1
A mark or patch of surface burning or discolouration.
"There's a scorch on the tablecloth from the hot pan."
How to use scorch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo burn something on the surface, or the burn mark itself; also used loosely for extreme heat or blistering criticism.
Common pairings
scorch the earth
scorching heat
scorch marks
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Word forms
- Plural
- scorches
- Third person singular
- scorches
- Past tense
- scorched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The iron _____ a mark into the shirt.
Etymology
From Middle English scorchen, likely an alteration of an earlier form related to Old Norse skorpna, "to shrivel up."
Related words
Rhymes for scorch
See all rhymes for scorch →Frequently asked questions
What does “scorch” mean?
The word “scorch” means to burn the surface of something, discolouring or damaging it without destroying it completely. In plain terms, to burn something on the surface, or the burn mark itself; also used loosely for extreme heat or blistering criticism.
How do you pronounce “scorch”?
“Scorch” is pronounced skawch (/skɔɹt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scorch” in a sentence?
Here is “scorch” used in a sentence: “The iron scorched a mark into the shirt.”
What part of speech is “scorch”?
Depending on how it is used, “scorch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scorch” come from?
The word “scorch” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scorchen, likely an alteration of an earlier form related to Old Norse skorpna, "to shrivel up.".
How many meanings does “scorch” have?
“Scorch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to burn the surface of something, discolouring or damaging it without destroying it completely.
