scorch
scorch Lexical Profile
scorch Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To burn the surface of something slightly with flame or intense heat so as to change its color or texture.
"Be careful not to leave the iron in one spot too long, or you will scorch the linen shirt."
To dry up, wither, or parch vegetation through intense heat or sunlight.
"Weeks of relentless August sunshine began to scorch the grassy hillsides into a pale yellow."
To criticize or rebuke someone or something with fierce, scathing severity.
"The columnist used her weekly editorial to scorch the city council for its handling of the budget."
• noun
A superficial burn or brown discoloration on a surface caused by intense heat or flame.
"Leaving the hot pan directly on the wooden countertop left a noticeable dark scorch."
A plant condition or disease characterized by the browning and withering of leaves and tissues, resembling damage caused by extreme heat.
"The prolonged summer drought caused severe leaf scorch across the entire apple orchard."
• Rhymes for scorch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the late 14th century, the word originates from the Middle English 'scorchen', likely influenced by Old Norse 'skorpna' (meaning to shrivel up or dry out) and Old French 'escorchier' (meaning to strip the bark off or flay).