Dictionary definition · scorch
noun
- a surface burn
- a plant disease that produces a browning or scorched appearance of plant tissues
- a discoloration caused by heat
verb
- subject to harsh criticism"The Senator blistered the administration in his speech on Friday"
- make very hot and dry"The heat scorched the countryside"
- become superficially burned"my eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames"
- destroy completely by or as if by fire"The wildfire scorched the forest and several homes"
- burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color"The cook blackened the chicken breast"
- become scorched or singed under intense heat or dry conditions"The exposed tree scorched in the hot sun"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).