scratch

To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.

“Could you please scratch my back?”

To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.

“I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.”

To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.

To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).

“A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.”

of a surfaceTo get such scratches

“This platter scratches easily.”

To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.

Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete.

“Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.”

“When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.”

musicTo produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader.

billiardsTo commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.

“Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.”

To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.

To dig or excavate with the claws.

“Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.”

To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.

“The cat scratched the little girl.”

swimmingathleticsTo announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that they were previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.

Cut the surface of; wear away the surface of

A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.

“I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.”

“Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.”

An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.

“The dog sat up and had a good scratch.”

sportsA starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.

sportsA technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.

sports(cycling) The last riders to depart in a handicap race.

sports(billiards) An aberration.

sportsA foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.

sports(archaic, US, slang) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke.

sports(horse racing) A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.

“There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.”

meiosisAn injury.

“It's just a scratch!”

slangMoney.

A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.

Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.

now historicalA scratch wig.

For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.

“This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.”

Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation

computingRelating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.

“scratch memory”

sports(of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.