/ skɔːtʃ; NAmE skɔːrtʃ/ verb
1.
to burn and slightly damage a surface by making it too hot; to be slightly burned by heat :
[ vn ]
I scorched my dress when I was ironing it.
[ v ]
Don't stand so near the fire—your coat is scorching!
[also vn - adj ] ➡ note at burn
2.
to become or to make sth become dry and brown, especially from the heat of the sun or from chemicals :
[ vn ]
scorched grass
[ v ]
The leaves will scorch if you water them in the sun.
3.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] ( BrE , informal ) to move very fast :
The car scorched off down the road.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as a verb): perhaps related to Old Norse skorpna be shrivelled.