Scorch
Verb
Definition: To burn or char the surface of something with intense heat or flame.
Definition: To become discolored or damaged by heat or flame.
Definition: To move at high speed.
Synonyms: Burn, Singe, Char
Antonyms: Cool, Extinguish
Examples:
- The fire scorched the grass in the field.
- The intense heat caused the painting to scorch.
- The motorcycle scorched down the highway.
Mnemonics:
- Think of a burnt piece of paper and how it looks scorched.
- Imagine a speeding motorcycle leaving behind a trail of scorch marks.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'schorchen', from Old Norse 'skorpna' meaning "to shrivel, shrink".
Historical Usage:The word has been used since Middle English with a consistent meaning of burning or charring.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Scorched earth"
Explanation:A military strategy in which all resources and infrastructure are destroyed to deprive the enemy of their use.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'scorch' with 'burn'.
Explanation:While 'scorch' is a type of burning, it specifically refers to the surface being damaged or discolored by intense heat or flame, rather than being completely consumed or destroyed.