scorch

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

Origin of SCORCH

Middle English; probably akin to Middle English scorcnen to become singed, scorklen to parch

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with SCORCH

porch, torch