# scorch

/ˈskɔɹtʃ/ (US) · /skˈɔːtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scorch
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to burn the surface

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with fabrics, paper, or food surfaces.

### 2. to dry out with heat

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to move very fast

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to travel at a very high speed.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This sense is informal and emphasizes extreme, almost dangerous speed.

### 4. to criticize harshly

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to criticize someone or something very strongly and angrily.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. a surface burn

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The hot iron left a brown scorch mark on my white shirt.
- Be careful not to scorch the milk while heating it, as it will ruin the flavor of the sauce.
- The intense summer sun began to scorch the delicate leaves of the garden plants, forcing the gardener to install a temporary shade cloth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.