B1verb 3K

Scorch

UK //skɔːtʃ// US //skɔːrtʃ// Pronunciation

Definition

To burn the surface of something with heat.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To burn something slightly or to heat it too much.

Examples

• You must be careful not to scorch the pancakes on the stove.
• The sun can scorch your skin if you don’t apply sunscreen.
• He accidentally scorched the paper while trying to dry it.
• Be sure to adjust the heat so you don't scorch the sauce.
• The wildfire scorched many acres of forest land.

Usage notes

Commonly used in cooking or to describe heat damage. Not usually used in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

scorch + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'scorching' sun that makes things very hot.

Collocations

• scorch the earth
• scorch marks
• scorching heat

Synonyms

• burn
• char
• singe
• blacken
• grill

Antonyms

• cool
• freeze
• protect

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'scorching' which refers to intense heat rather than the act of burning.
• Using 'scorch' without an object, which sounds incomplete.
• Mixing up 'scorch' with 'burn' without understanding the intensity difference.