B2verb2K

Scratch

UK /["/skrætʃ/","/ˈskrætʃɪz/","/skrætʃt/","/ˈskrætʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/skrætʃ/","/ˈskrætʃɪz/","/skrætʃt/","/ˈskrætʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to rub your skin with your nails, usually because it is itching

In simple words: To cut or rub a surface with something sharp.

Examples

  • She accidentally scratched the surface of the table while moving a chair.
  • The cat likes to scratch the furniture with its claws.
  • He tried to scratch the lottery ticket, hoping to win a prize.
  • Please scratch your head if you’re confused by the instructions.
  • Due to a technical problem, the game was scratched before it started.
  • They had to scratch the event because of bad weather.

Usage notes

Use 'scratch' in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, you can scratch your arm or scratch an idea. It's generally informal but can be used in neutral contexts.

Grammar pattern

scratch + object

Memory hint

Think of a cat scratching furniture — a sharp sound and marks are left behind.

Collocations

  • badly
  • absently
  • lightly
  • at
  • on
  • with
  • badly
  • absently
  • lightly
  • at
  • on
  • with
  • badly
  • absently
  • lightly
  • at
  • on
  • with

Synonyms

  • graze
  • score
  • mark
  • scratch off
  • rip

Antonyms

  • smooth
  • polish

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'scrach' - misspelling.
  • Using 'to scratch' without an object - should specify what is scratched.
  • Mixing up with 'scrap' - they have different meanings.