English Meaning & Definitions
To burn the surface of something with flame or heat, causing discoloration or damage.
- “The hot iron was left on the shirt too long and managed to scorch the fabric.”
- “The intense heat of the forest fire began to scorch the nearby trees.”
A mark or burn caused by scorching.
- “There is a faint scorch on the carpet where the candle fell over.”
- “He examined the scorch left on the wooden table by the hot pan.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “scorch”.
Originating in the late 14th century, the word is likely of Scandinavian origin, related to the Old Norse 'skorpna' (to shrivel or wither). It is thought to be an alteration of the Middle English 'scorchen', possibly influenced by the Old French 'escorcher' (to flay or skin), though the primary sense of burning or parching remains distinct from the French root.
Think of a 'torch' that is so hot it leaves a 'scorch' mark.
Frequently Asked Questions About “scorch”
1. What is the meaning of “scorch” in English?
In English, scorch (verb) is defined as: “To burn the surface of something with flame or heat, causing discoloration or damage.”.
2. How do you use “scorch” in a sentence?
“The hot iron was left on the shirt too long and managed to scorch the fabric.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “scorch”?
Originating in the late 14th century, the word is likely of Scandinavian origin, related to the Old Norse 'skorpna' (to shrivel or wither). It is thought to be an alteration of the Middle English 'scorchen', possibly influenced by the Old French 'escorcher' (to flay or skin), though the primary sense of burning or parching remains distinct from the French root.
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