torch

¹torch

noun, often attributive \ˈtȯrch\

Definition of TORCH

1

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

2

: something (as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance <pass the torch to the next generation>

3

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame — compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight 2

5

: incendiary 1a

Examples of TORCH

1. <in an insurance scam, the slumlord hired a torch to burn the tenement down>

Origin of TORCH

Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TORCH

Synonyms

firebug, incendiary, arsonist

Related Words

pyromaniac; flamer, igniter (also ignitor), immolator, inflamer, kindler

Rhymes with TORCH

porch, scorch

²torch

transitive verb

Definition of TORCH

: to set fire to with or as if with a torch

Examples of TORCH

1. An arsonist torched the building.
2. <police suspect that the owner torched the house for the insurance money>

First Known Use of TORCH

1901

Related to TORCH

Synonyms

enkindle, fire, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, light, burn

Antonyms

douse (also dowse), extinguish, put out, quench, snuff (out)

Related Words

immolate; deflagrate; char, frizzle, scorch; bake, broil, cook; ash, cremate, incinerate, kiln; set off; brighten, illuminate, illumine, irradiate, lighten, radiate; scald, scathe, sear; reignite, rekindle, relight; bank, stoke

Near Antonyms

choke, smother, suffocate; stamp (out); blacken, darken, dim, dull, obscure