Definition of scorch

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< scorbutic

scorched-earth policy >

scorch    (skôrch) KEY  

VERB:
scorched , scorch·ing , scorch·es
VERB:
tr.

1. To burn superficially so as to discolor or damage the texture of. See Synonyms at burn ¹.
2. To wither or parch with intense heat.
3. To destroy (land and buildings) by or as if by fire so as to leave nothing salvageable to an enemy army.
4. To subject to severe censure; excoriate.

VERB:
intr.

1. To become scorched or singed.
2. To go or move at a very fast, often excessively fast rate.

NOUN:

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English scorchen, possibly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skorpna, to shrink, be shriveled

OTHER FORMS:
scorching·ly (Adverb)

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