scorch

v. to burn the surface of something slightly so that the colour changes.

v. to burn the surface of an object superficially, resulting in discolouration or singeing without complete destruction.

“Be careful not to scorch the shirt while you are ironing it.”

“The chef used a blowtorch to lightly scorch the top of the meringue, creating a delicate golden-brown crust.”

v. to dry out or damage plants or land because of extreme heat.

v. to wither or parch vegetation or soil through exposure to intense heat or lack of moisture.

“The summer sun began to scorch the grass until it turned brown.”

“A relentless heatwave continued to scorch the plains, leaving the crops brittle and the soil deeply cracked.”

v. to travel at a very high speed.

v. to move or travel at excessive speed, metaphorically leaving burn marks on the path.

“The motorbike scorched past us on the motorway.”

“The lead runner scorched across the finish line, breaking the national record by several seconds.”

Informal

v. to criticize someone or something very strongly and angrily.

v. to attack someone with bitter sarcasm, virulence, or intense verbal severity.

“The critic's review scorched the director's latest film.”

“Her editorial scorched the administration's failed housing policy, leaving no room for rebuttal.”

Literary

n. a mark on a surface caused by heat or a slight burn.

n. a mark, blemish, or discolouration caused by the application of heat or fire.

“There was a small scorch on the tablecloth where the hot pot had sat.”

“The antique desk suffered a permanent scorch after a candle was left burning too close to the wood.”