torch
torch Lexical Profile
torch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A small, portable, battery-powered electric lamp.
"When the power unexpectedly went out, she searched the kitchen drawer for a torch to find her way upstairs."
A portable means of illumination consisting of a stick or piece of wood with combustible material at one end, ignited to provide light or start a fire.
"The villagers carried blazing torches as they carefully navigated their way through the dark forest."
A tool that produces a hot, localized flame used for welding, cutting, or brazing metals.
"The mechanic used an acetylene torch to safely cut through the rusted bolts on the car's undercarriage."
• verb
To set fire to something intentionally, often destructively or maliciously.
"Rioters torched several abandoned vehicles during the chaotic protests downtown."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British and Commonwealth English, 'torch' commonly refers to a battery-operated portable light, whereas American English uses the term 'flashlight'.
• Rhymes for torch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'torche' (meaning 'twisted thing' or 'torch'), derived from Vulgar Latin '*torca', an alteration of Latin 'torquere' (to twist), referring to the twisted tow or rags originally dipped in pitch to make a torch.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.