Searing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'searing' comes from the Old English word 'sēarian,' which means to become dry or parched.
• Used for centuries, it initially meant to burn the surface of something but has since evolved to describe intense heat.
• The connection to cooking is significant; searing meats creates a flavorful crust while trapping juices inside.

Culinary Arts

• In cooking, searing refers to browning the surface of meat at high temperature, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
• The Maillard reaction, named after the French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard, explains why searing creates complex flavors and aromas.
• Many chefs believe searing meat before cooking helps retain its delicious juices, making the final dish more succulent.

Literature

• Searing imagery is often used in literature to convey intense emotions or experiences, such as love or pain.
• Authors like Hemingway use searing descriptions to immerse readers in the character's experiences, drawing on the intensity of heat to symbolize conflict.
• In poetry, searing moments are often metaphors for transformation, depicting how intense experiences shape identity.

Psychology

• The term is often used metaphorically in psychology to describe intense emotional pain or trauma, as in 'searing memories.'
• Studies suggest that strong emotions, which can feel like 'searing' pain, are more likely to be remembered vividly, impacting future behaviors.
• Therapy often involves addressing those 'searing' moments in life that profoundly affect a person's psyche and emotional health.

Positioned at #22,155, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22152 dun
• 22153 cranberry
• 22154 shamed
• 22155 searing
• 22156 welder
• 22157 jailer
• 22158 interrogatory
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