scorched-earth

adjective

ˈskȯrcht-ˈərth 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scorched-earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• earth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth

Kids Definition

scorched earth

noun

: land stripped of anything that could be of use to an invading enemy force