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Parched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parched

[pɑːtʃt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

thirsty

Extremely thirsty, especially when one's throat is dry from lack of drink.

Synonyms

dehydrated, dry, thirsty.

Examples of usage

  • I was so parched after running a marathon that I drank a whole bottle of water in one go.
  • After spending hours in the hot sun, the hikers were feeling parched and desperate for a drink.
Context #2 | Adjective

land

Dried out or shriveled with heat.

Synonyms

arid, barren, dry.

Examples of usage

  • The parched desert landscape stretched out for miles with no sign of water.
  • The crops in the parched fields were struggling to survive without any rain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • In deserts, plants and animals develop special adaptations to survive in parched conditions, such as storing water or being nocturnal.
  • During a drought, rivers and lakes can become parched, affecting the ecosystems and animals that depend on them.

Literature

  • In poetic language, the word 'parched' often symbolizes longing or desire, reflecting an emotional state of being deprived.
  • Many authors have used the image of parched landscapes to convey themes of struggle and survival in harsh environments.

Health

  • Feeling parched is often a sign of dehydration, which is important to address by drinking water.
  • Chronic parched conditions can lead to health issues such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'parched for knowledge' is a common expression, showing a strong desire to learn.
  • In movies and literature, characters often find themselves in parched lands, emphasizing their desperate situations.

Origin of 'parched'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'parched' comes from the Middle English 'parchen,' which means to dry out.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'parchier,' which also refers to drying something out.

The word 'parched' originated from the Old French word 'parchier', meaning 'to roast'. It first appeared in English during the 14th century. The sense of 'extremely thirsty' came about in the mid-16th century, while the meaning related to land being dried out or shriveled with heat emerged in the mid-18th century.

See also: parchment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,660, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.