sear

1 of 4

verb

ˈsir 

seared; searing; sears

transitive verb

1

a

: to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat

sear a steak

b

: to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat

2

: to make withered and dry : parch

intransitive verb

: to cause withering or drying

sear

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a mark or scar left by searing

sear

3 of 4

noun (2)

: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock

sear

4 of 4

adjective

less common spelling of sere

1

: being dried and withered

2

archaic : threadbare

Synonyms

Verb

• char
• scorch
• singe

Examples of sear in a Sentence

Verb

The tree was seared by lightning.

The flames seared my skin.

The steak was seared over a hot grill.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Polanski was also seared into national consciousness in 1969 after members of the Manson family murdered his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and four other people at her home. —Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024

Here is a roundup of the performances – including a tribute to Buffett from James Taylor and Kenny Chesney, a surprise from Foreigner and a searing homage to a clearly delighted Osbourne – from this year’s Rock Hall induction ceremony. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

Noun

In a large roasting pan heat a small amount of oil and sear on each side of the shoulder for around a minute. —Rebekah Evans, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024

With the ability to fry, braise, sear, steam, sauté, and boil in one pot, this Dutch oven replaces many different pieces of cookware. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English seren, from Old English sēarian to become dry, from sēar sere

Noun (2)

probably from Middle French serre grasp, from serrer to press, grasp, from Old French, from Late Latin serare to bolt, latch, from Latin sera bar for fastening a door

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (1)

1874, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sear

1 of 2 verb

ˈsi(ə)r

1

: to cause withering or drying : parch, shrivel

harsh winds that sear and burn

2

a

: to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden heat

b

: to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat

sear a steak

sear

2 of 2 noun

: a mark or scar left by searing