Main Entry: ¹scratch

Pronunciation: \ˈskrach\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English scracchen, probably blend of scratten to scratch and cracchen to scratch

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to scrape or dig with the claws or nails
2 : to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged
3 a : to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching) b : to act on (a desire) —used with itch <scratch the itch to travel>
4 : to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort <scratch out a living>
5 : to write or draw on a surface
6 a : to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through b : to withdraw (an entry) from competition
7 : scribble, scrawl
8 : to scrape along a rough surface <scratch a match>intransitive verb 1 : to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding
2 : to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching)
3 : to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice <had to scratch and save for college>
4 a : to make a thin grating sound b : to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle
5 : to withdraw from a contest or engagement
6 : to make a scratch in billiards or pool

— scratch·er noun

— scratch one's back : to accommodate with a favor especially in expectation of like return

— scratch one's head : to be or become confused or perplexed

— scratch the surface : to make a modest effort or start