Scotched: meaning, definitions and examples

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scotched

 

[skɒtʃt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cooked, harmed

To scotch means to decisively put an end to something, often a rumor or a plan. It can also refer to the act of piercing the surface of something, such as when preparing food, to allow for better cooking or flavor infusion. The term implies a strong and effective action that leaves little chance for revival. In contemporary use, it often relates to stopping something before it can develop further.

Synonyms

discredit, halt, quash, stop.

Examples of usage

  • They scotched the rumor before it could spread.
  • He scotched the plan for a new project.
  • The chef scotched the meat to enhance its flavor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'scotched' comes from the Old French term 'escotcher,' meaning to cut or notch.
  • Originally, 'scotch' was used in Middle English to mean to scratch or make a mark on something.
  • The term began to be used in context with halting plans or actions in the early 17th century.

Literature

  • Shakespeare used a form of this word in 'Macbeth' when discussing stopping plans, emphasizing action to prevent events.
  • In Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island,' characters often find themselves trying to 'scotch' troubles before they escalate.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been featured in various movies and shows, often associated with thwarting villains or preventing disasters.
  • Many modern stories and shows use variations like 'scotcing a plan' as characters strategize against obstacles.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'scotching' a fear or negative thought is a technique in cognitive behavioral therapy, aiming to stop harmful thinking patterns.
  • People often find that by addressing their fears directly and 'scotching' them, they can reduce anxiety and improve mental health.

Science

  • In the realm of biology, 'scotching' could relate to stopping a process, like inhibiting a growth factor in experimental research.
  • Certain methods in environmental science aim to 'scotch' harmful invasive species to protect native ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "scotched" in other languages:

🇵🇹 queimado

🇮🇳 जला हुआ

🇩🇪 verbrannt

🇮🇩 terbakar

🇺🇦 обгорілий

🇵🇱 przypalony

🇯🇵 焼かれた

🇫🇷 brûlé

🇪🇸 quemado

🇹🇷 yakılmış

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 محروق

🇨🇿 spálený

🇸🇰 spálený

🇨🇳 烧焦的

🇸🇮 opečen

🇮🇸 brunninn

🇰🇿 күйдірілген

🇬🇪 წვის

🇦🇿 yandırılmış

🇲🇽 quemado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,622, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.