Scorch

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔː(r)tʃ

Origin

Perhaps from Old Norse skorpna ("to shrivel up")

Online Etymology Dictionary|scorch

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Full definition of scorch

Noun

1. A slight or surface burn.
2. A discolouration caused by heat.
3. Brown discoloration on the leaves of plants caused by heat, lack of water or by fungi.

Derived terms

• scorchy

Verb

1. (transitive) To burn the surface of something so as to discolour it
2. (transitive) To wither, parch or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy
• PriorLashed by mad rage, and scorched by brutal fires.
3. (intransitive) To become scorched or singed
4. (intransitive) To move at high speed (so as to leave scorch marks on the ground)
5. To burn; to destroy by, or as by, fire.
• Bible, Revelations xvi. 8Power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
• Drydenthe fire that scorches me to death