\ ˈskȯrcht-ˈərth
\
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Definition of scorched-earth
1
: relating to or being a military policy involving deliberate and usually widespread destruction of property and resources (such as housing and factories) so that an invading enemy cannot use them
2
: directed toward victory or supremacy at all costs : ruthless
scorched-earth rhetoric
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
The Words of the Week - 3/19/2021
The Words of the Week - 3/19/2021
Some of the words that defined the week ending March 19, 2021
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“Scorched-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scorched-earth. Accessed 10 May. 2021.
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More Definitions for scorched-earth
scorched-earth
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of scorched-earth
—used to describe a military policy in which all the houses, crops, factories, etc., in an area are destroyed so that an enemy cannot use them
See the full definition for scorched-earth in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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Time Traveler for scorched-earth
The first known use of scorched-earth was in 1937
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