scorch

[skɔːtʃ]

[skɔɹtʃ]

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scorching - scorch

A scorch refers to damage or marks that are caused by intense heat.

When we talk about something getting scorched, we usually mean that it has been damaged by heat. Imagine leaving a pot unattended on the stove and having it catch fire - the contents would get all scorched and ruined. You could also say that a beautiful garden gets scorched in a dry summer, with its plants turning brown and dying off. Even food can get scorched if you leave it too long under the broiler or grill.

How common is "scorch"?

Word scorch is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

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

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singe

verb

To burn the surface of something so as to discolour it
To wither, parch or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy
(To cause) to become scorched or singed
To move at high speed (so as to leave scorch marks on the ground, physically or figuratively).
To burn; to destroy by, or as by, fire.
To attack with bitter sarcasm or virulence.
To ride a bicycle furiously on a public highway.

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Real examples of "scorching" in context

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Go Claws Out While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Entertainment

Thanks for using the word scorching.

1:02

It must be surreal to be in front of this gauntlet of scorching hot wings.

0:56

Elizabeth Olsen Feels Brave While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Interview

And while we have the impossible good fortune of being able to eat scorching hot chicken wings with celebrities every single week, there are kids across the country who lack the basic nutrition they need to be healthy, happy and energized to learn.

23:07