Scratch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scratch

[skrætʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the surface

A mark or wound made by scratching. A sound made by scratching. A difficult or awkward task.

Synonyms

abrasion, cut, mark, scrape, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scratch	A light, superficial mark or injury on the skin or surface. Mostly unintentional and not serious. She had a small scratch on her arm after playing with the cat. He scratched his head in confusion.
mark	A general term for any visible trace or spot, not necessarily an injury or damage. There was a dark mark on the wall where the picture used to hang. He noticed a mark on his shirt after spilling coffee.
wound	A more serious injury involving damage to the body, often requiring medical treatment. Can be deeper or more severe than a cut. The soldier had a deep wound on his leg from the battle. She was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
scrape	Caused by rubbing or dragging something roughly across a surface, can cause shallow but widespread damage. She scraped her knee when she fell off her bike. The car got a scrape on the door from the parking lot post.
cut	A break or incision in the skin or surface, usually sharper and potentially deeper than a scratch. Often requires attention or treatment. She got a cut on her finger while chopping vegetables. The paper gave him a small cut on his hand.
abrasion	An area damaged by scraping or wearing away, often used in medical or technical contexts. The athlete had several abrasions on his knees after falling on the track. The abrasion on the metal surface made it difficult to paint.

Examples of usage

He had a scratch on his arm from the cat.
The scratch of the record player needle was loud.
Learning a new language can be a scratch for some people.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

an itch

To scrape or mark the surface of something with a sharp object. To cancel or strike out text. To create or produce something hastily.

Synonyms

cancel, delete, etch, mark, scrape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scratch	Already defined. Used for minor cuts on skin, making marks on surfaces, and starting over. Don't scratch the mosquito bite, it will get worse. He scratched the paint off the wall.
scrape	Refers to rubbing or brushing something roughly, often resulting in removal of surface material or causing minor damage. He scraped the ice off his car windshield. She fell and scraped her knee.
mark	Used when indicating a spot, score, or level of importance. It can be used in a wide range of contexts from education to general life. The teacher marked all the students' tests. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming event.
etch	Used when carving a design or words into a hard surface with a tool, usually to create a lasting impression. The artist took hours to etch the design onto the metal plate. Their names were etched into the stone.
cancel	Used when stopping an event, booking, or arrangement from taking place. This word is common in formal settings and planning. The meeting was canceled due to the bad weather. They had to cancel their vacation plans.
delete	Commonly used in the context of removing text, files, or data from a digital device or medium. Make sure to save your work before you delete that file. She accidentally deleted an important email.

Examples of usage

She scratched her initials into the tree trunk.
I scratched out the incorrect answer and wrote the correct one.
He scratched together a meal from whatever was in the pantry.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

In baseball, 'scratch' can denote a player who wasn’t expected to start but gets a last-minute appearance.
The term 'scratch golfer' refers to someone who has a zero handicap, which is a measure of their skill level.
In sports tournaments, 'scratch' can refer to players who withdraw from play.

Popular Culture

In music, 'scratch' refers to a DJ technique where the turntable is manipulated to create rhythmic sounds.
The phrase 'scratch that' is commonly used in conversations to mean 'forget what I just said.'
In gaming, 'scratch' can describe starting over or refreshing a game to its initial state.

Psychology

Scratching an itch is often a reflex action, driven by nerve impulses that signal discomfort.
The act of scratching can provide temporary relief but might lead to more itching if done excessively.
In behavioral psychology, repetitive scratching can sometimes be a sign of stress or anxiety in individuals.

Origin of 'scratch'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old Norse word 'scratta,' meaning to scrape.
It originally referred to the act of scraping or rubbing, which is still a core aspect of its meaning today.
In Middle English, it was spelled as 'scratche,' reflecting its historical roots.

The word 'scratch' has its origins in Old English, where it was originally 'screccan', meaning 'to scratch'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form and gained various meanings related to marking or scraping a surface. The word has been commonly used in English language for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,533 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9530 richly
9531 tenor
9532 yoke
9533 scratch
9534 tread
9535 germination
9536 terrified
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