scorching JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈskɔːrtʃɪŋ/ · scorch·ing
noun
- The act or result of scorching; a burn that discolours a surface. The scorching on the wooden deck was evident after the wildfire passed.
verb
- To burn the surface of something so as to discolour it. The chef accidentally scorching the sauce, leaving a dark rim around the pan.
- To wither, parch, or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy. During the retreat, the army set fire to the fields, scorching the countryside to deny resources to the foe.
- (To cause) to become scorched or singed. The intense sun was scorching the paint on the car, causing it to fade quickly.
adjective
- Very hot. It was a scorching summer, and the ice‑cream sellers plied a roaring trade.
- Bitterly sarcastic; scathing; withering. Her scorching reply left the room in stunned silence.
- (Of speed when driving, running, etc.) very high. He took the corner at a scorching pace, barely missing the curb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word "scorching" appears in Shakespeare’s *King Lear* as a vivid metaphor for harsh criticism, showing its long‑standing use as both a literal and figurative descriptor.