scathe

1 of 2

noun

ˈskāt͟h 

ˈskāth

: harm, injury

scatheless

ˈskāt͟h-ləs 

adjective

scathe

2 of 2

verb

ˈskāt͟h 

scathed; scathing

transitive verb

1

: to do harm to

specifically : scorch, sear

2

: to assail with withering denunciation

Synonyms of scathe

Verb

• attack
• scold
• slam
• insult
• savage

Examples of scathe in a Sentence

Verb

newspaper cartoonists scathed the lecherous governor with a series of cruel caricatures

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In the wake of rumors regarding their rift, the 27-year-old discussed the breakdown of their relationship in a series of scathing Instagram Stories posts shared earlier this year. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 June 2026

Trump has lashed out at Carlson and other media figures, including Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens and Alex Jones, who have been scathing about the decision to get into the war. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026

Outsider art in every sense of the word, and laden with scathing political and social commentary, Purifoy’s installations morph and change in the elements. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026

But White also mentioned the league’s depth, which will likely scathe even the best teams. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skathe, from Old Norse skathi; akin to Old English sceatha injury, Greek askēthēs unharmed

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scathe

• bathe
• lathe

Kids Definition

scathe

1 of 2 noun

ˈskāt͟h 

: harm sense 1, injury

scatheless

-ləs 

adjective

scathe

2 of 2 verb

scathed; scathing

1

: to do harm to : injure

especially : to injure by fire : scorch, sear

2

: to attack with very harsh accusations