# scotch

/ˈskɑtʃ/ (US) · /skˈɒtʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scotch
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to stop or reduce something, especially a plan or an amount of money. You use this when you want to say you are cutting back on costs or cancelling a project.

For teachers: to curtail, reduce, or discontinue; often used in the context of limiting expenditure or scaling back operations. Typically transitive.

## Examples

- The company decided to scotch the new marketing plan.
- The manager had to scotch the budget for the holiday party to save money.
- The sudden drop in consumer confidence forced the board to scotch their ambitious expansion plans for the coming fiscal year.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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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.