# searing

/ˈsɪɹɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈiəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/searing
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to burn something very quickly and deeply with a hot object or flame. It can also mean to cause a lot of pain or a very strong feeling.

For teachers: to burn or char something with intense heat; to cause a severe physical or emotional reaction. Often used figuratively to describe intense pain or a powerful emotional impact.

## Examples

- The chef sears the steak in a hot pan.
- The sun was so bright that it felt like it was searing the skin off the beach.
- The documentary's searing portrayal of the refugee crisis left the audience in a state of profound silence and reflection.

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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.