First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1scorch
verb \ˈskȯrch\
Definition of SCORCH
transitive verb
1
: to burn a surface of so as to change its color and texture
2
a : to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat : parch b : to afflict painfully with censure or sarcasm
3
: devastate; especially : to destroy (as property of possible use to an advancing enemy) before abandoning —used in the phrase scorched earth
intransitive verb
1
: to become scorched
2
: to travel at great and usually excessive speed
3
: to cause intense heat or mental anguish <scorching sun> <scorching fury>
— scorch·ing·ly \ˈskȯr-chiŋ-lē\ adverb
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SCORCH
Middle English; probably akin to Middle English scorcnen to become singed, scorklen to parch
2scorch
noun
: a damaged area or mark that is caused by burning
Full Definition of SCORCH
1
: a result of scorching
2
: a browning of plant tissues usually from disease or heat
See scorch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCORCH
15th century
3scorch
transitive verb
Definition of SCORCH
dial BritishOrigin of SCORCH
Middle English, perhaps blend of scoren to score and scocchen to scotch
First Known Use: 14th century
SCORCH Defined for Kids
scorch
verb \ˈskȯrch\
scorchedscorch·ing
Definition of SCORCH for Kids
1
: to burn on the surface <The fire scorched the bottom of the pan.>
2
: to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat <Drought scorched the crops.>
3
: to produce intense heat <The wind had died and already the sun was beginning to scorch. — Theodore Taylor, The Cay>
Learn More About SCORCH
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up scorch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).