Scorched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scorched

[skɔːtʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

burnt

To burn the surface of something with heat or fire

Synonyms

burn, char, sear, singe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scorched	Scorched describes something that has been burned superficially, often referring to plants, food, or earth. It implies a dry, parched effect caused by heat. The fields were scorched by the summer sun. She accidentally left the iron on the shirt, and now it's scorched.
burn	Burn is a general term for damage caused by heat or fire. It can refer to anything from cooking accidents to injuries to buildings. Be careful not to burn yourself on the stove. The wildfire burned through the forest, leaving nothing but ashes.
char	Char describes something that has been burned until it is black and carbonized. It often conveys a completely burned or blackened state. He likes his steak charred on the outside but medium-rare inside. The remains of the old barn were charred and barely recognizable.
sear	Sear is used to describe the process of quickly burning the surface of something with intense heat, often in cooking to lock in flavors. Sear the meat on both sides before putting it in the oven. The chef seared the tuna to give it a perfect crust.
singe	Singe describes light burning or scorching that affects the surface of something, usually without destroying it. It implies minimal damage. He singed his eyebrows while lighting the barbecue. The cuffs of her dress were slightly singed by the campfire.

Examples of usage

The sun scorched the earth.
The fire scorched the walls of the building.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

desolate

Dried up and withered, typically as a result of extreme heat

Synonyms

arid, baked, desiccated, parched.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scorched	Used to describe something that has been burned or singed by heat or fire, often leaving blackened or charred marks. The grass was scorched after the wildfire The paper was scorched by the candle flame
parched	Describes extreme dryness, often used to describe thirst or dry land. After the long hike, he felt parched and needed water The parched earth cracked under the intense heat
arid	Typically used to describe a very dry climate or environment with little to no rainfall. The arid desert landscape stretched for miles Farming is challenging in such an arid region
desiccated	Indicates something that has been thoroughly dried out, often used in scientific or technical contexts. The desiccated soil was unfit for planting The botanist examined the desiccated plant specimens
baked	Commonly used to describe something that has been cooked in an oven, but in other contexts, it can describe something extremely heated by the sun or hot environment. The cookies were perfectly baked The pavement was baked by the intense summer sun

Examples of usage

The scorched land was barren and lifeless.
The scorched tree stood alone in the wasteland.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

In cooking, scorched often refers to foods that have been overcooked, especially sugars, leading to unwanted caramelization.
Some cultures intentionally scorch spices like cumin or mustard seeds to enhance their flavor and aroma.
Scorched Earth is a cooking method where food is cooked over an open flame to develop a crispy exterior.

Environmental Impact

Wildfires can create scorched landscapes that take years to recover, affecting local ecosystems and wildlife.
The term 'scorched earth' is used in military strategy to describe destruction of resources to deny them to an enemy.
Scorched soil can result from excessive heat, reducing its fertility and altering its capacity to retain water.

Literature and Art

Scorched themes appear in works reflecting on destruction and rebirth, often symbolizing loss and impermanence.
In poetry, scorched imagery can evoke feelings of despair or transformation, reflecting the harshness of experience.
Famous paintings may depict scorched landscapes, representing a critique of human impact on nature.

Psychology

Metaphorically, scorched can describe emotional states, such as feeling burnt out or emotionally overcooked.
In cognitive therapy, addressing a 'scorched earth' mindset can help individuals rebuild after trauma or stress.
The concept of 'scorched self' may relate to feelings of being damaged due to harsh life experiences.

Origin of 'scorched'

Main points about word origin

The word 'scorched' comes from the Old French word 'escorcher,' which means to strip of skin or burn.
It has roots in the Latin word 'exCoreare,' which referred to 'removing bark from trees,' relating to the idea of burning.
Scorched can be traced back to early Middle English, where it initially described surface burning.

The word 'scorched' originates from the Old English word 'sceorcan', meaning 'to parch' or 'to wither'. The term has evolved over time to represent the act of burning or charring the surface of something. The concept of scorching has been prevalent throughout history, associated with the destructive power of fire and the harsh effects of extreme heat on the environment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,545, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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