scorch

A slight or surface burn.

A discolouration caused by heat.

phytopathologyBrown discoloration on the leaves of plants caused by heat, lack of water or by fungi.

A plant disease that produces a browning or scorched appearance of plant tissues

To burn the surface of something so as to discolour it

To wither, parch or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy

(To cause) to become scorched or singed

To move at high speed (so as to leave scorch marks on the ground, physically or figuratively).

To burn; to destroy by, or as by, fire.

To attack with bitter sarcasm or virulence.

Subject to harsh criticism

“The Senator blistered the administration in his speech on Friday”

“the professor scaled the students”

“your invectives scorched the community”

Become superficially burned

“my eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames”

Burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color

“The cook blackened the chicken breast”

“The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece”

“the flames scorched the ceiling”

Become scorched or singed under intense heat or dry conditions

“The exposed tree scorched in the hot sun”