Scouring: meaning, definitions and examples

This is used when you are searching for something thoroughly or cleaning a surface intensely, usually with abrasives.

• I spent hours scouring the internet for the best deals.
• She was scouring the pan to remove the burnt food.

This is the general term for making something free from dirt, marks, or mess, which can be used in a wide variety of situations.

• I am cleaning the house this weekend.
• He is responsible for cleaning the office every evening.

This refers to cleaning something vigorously with a brush or cloth, often using a lot of effort and usually for tougher dirt or stains.

• I spent hours scrubbing the bathroom tiles.
• He was scrubbing his shoes to make them look new again.

This is often used when describing a repetitive back-and-forth motion to apply friction to a surface, usually to make it smooth or to apply something like lotion.

• She was rubbing her sore shoulders after a long day.
• He kept rubbing the stain on his shirt to try and remove it.

Use this word when you are searching very thoroughly, often in a detailed or intense manner. It can often imply a physical search.

• She is scouring the internet for the best deal on flights.
• He spent hours scouring the house for the lost keys.

Use this word when trying to find something you need or want, often with some effort involved. It can be used for both physical and abstract searches.

• The police are searching for clues at the crime scene.
• He is searching for meaning in his life.

Use this word in a general or casual sense when you are trying to find something. It's the most neutral and commonly used term for searching.

• She is looking for her glasses.
• I'm looking for a new book to read.

Use this word when searching with determination and sometimes implies searching for something specific for a purpose or goal. It can also mean looking for animals to hunt.

• They were hunting for the perfect spot to set up camp.
• John is hunting for a job that matches his skills.