/ sɪə(r); NAmE sɪr/ verb
1.
[ vn ] to burn the surface of sth in a way that is sudden and powerful :
The heat of the sun seared their faces.
Sear the meat first (= cook the outside of it quickly at a high temperature) to retain its juices.
2.
( formal ) to cause sb to feel sudden and great pain :
[ v + adv. / prep. ]
The pain seared along her arm.
[ vn ]
Feelings of guilt seared him.
—see also searing
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English sēar (adjective), sēarian (verb), of Germanic origin.