Wordsmyth Blog
Menu
  • << Wordsmyth dictionary site
  • blog home
  • Language Notes
  • Wordsmyth Features
  • Help
Menu

WOTD: scorch

Posted on January 18, 2021December 31, 2020 by Wordsmyth

transitive verb

1. to burn slightly, esp. without setting aflame.
She scorched her blouse with the iron.

2. to dry or wither by subjecting to intense heat.
The sun scorched a patch of grass in our lawn.

3. to criticize harshly; censure.
The new play was scorched by the critics.

intransitive verb

to become scorched or discolored.
That fabric will scorch if the iron is too hot.

noun

a slight burn, or a mark left by it.
You can’t wear that shirt to the meeting; there is a scorch right on the pocket.

See the full entry

  • About This Word
  • Guest Posts
  • Help
  • Language Notes
  • News & Announcements
  • Online Teaching Resources
  • Vocabulary
  • WILD: Wordsmyth Illustrated Learner's Dictionary
  • Word of the Day
  • Word of the Day for Kids
  • Word of the Year
  • Words in the News
  • Words in the World
  • Wordsmyth Features
You've already signed up, Thanks!
Thank you! You will receive Word of the Day starting tomorrow.

Yes, I would like to get Wordsmyth Word of the Day by email.

Go to

  • Wordsmyth site
  • Kids.Wordsmyth

Our Dictionaries

  • Comprehensive Dictionary
  • Children’s Dictionary
  • WILD

More Resources

  • Word Parts
  • Grammatical Patterns
  • Vocabulary Activities
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Mail
©2025 Wordsmyth Blog