Scorching: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes extremely high heat, often used in reference to weather or temperatures that are hot enough to cause discomfort or potential harm.

• It's a scorching day outside, make sure to stay hydrated.
• The scorching heat of the desert is unbearable.

Used to describe something that is on fire, causing pain, or generating extreme heat. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or sensations.

• The burning sun made the sand too hot to walk on.
• She felt a burning desire to succeed.

Refers to intense heat, often associated with causing blisters or used metaphorically to describe something very intense and rapid, like speed.

• He ran at a blistering pace and broke the record.
• The blistering sun made it hard to stay outside for long.

Describes an atmosphere or environment that is oppressively hot and humid, usually referring to weather.

• The sweltering humidity made it hard to breathe.
• After hours in the sweltering heat, they finally reached an air-conditioned room.

Typically used to describe extreme heat, often in relation to weather or temperatures.

• The sun was scorching hot today
• The desert experiences scorching temperatures during the summer

Typically used to describe intense, burning sensation or heat. Often used in cooking techniques or describing extreme emotional pain.

• She felt a searing pain in her leg
• The chef is searing the meat to lock in the juices

Most often used when slightly heating or browning food, especially bread or nuts.

• He is toasting a piece of bread for breakfast
• Toasting the almonds brings out their natural flavors

Commonly used when something is burned to the point that it blackens and turns to charcoal. Often used in cooking or describing fire damage.

• The campfire caused the edges of the paper to start charring
• The charring on the steak gives it a smoky flavor