scrape

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verb \ˈskrāp\

Definition of scrape

scraped

;

scraping

transitive verb
1a : to remove from a surface by usually repeated strokes of an edged instrumentb : to make (a surface) smooth or clean with strokes of an edged instrument or an abrasive
2a : to grate harshly over or againstb : to damage or injure the surface of by contact with a rough surfacec : to draw roughly or noisily over a surface
3 : to collect by or as if by scraping —often used with up or together scrape up the price of a ticket
intransitive verb
1 : to move in sliding contact with a rough surface
2 : to accumulate money by small economies
3 : to draw back the foot along the ground in making a bow
4 : to make one's way with difficulty : barely manage or succeed just scraped through at school working two jobs and barely scraping by

scraper

noun

See scrape defined for English-language learners

See scrape defined for kids

Examples of scrape in a Sentence

Someone had scraped the car with a key.
I scraped one of the chairs while bringing it up the stairs.
I scraped my knee when I fell.
fingernails scraping against a blackboard
the sound of chairs scraping on the floor as people stood to leave
The boat scraped against the edge of the dock.
She scraped her fingernails across the blackboard.
The deer scraped its antlers against the tree.
Scrape the seeds into a bowl.
Scrape the paint from the wood.

Origin and Etymology of scrape

Middle English, from Old Norse skrapa; akin to Old English scrapian to scrape, Latin scrobis ditch, Russian skresti to scrape

First Known Use: 14th century

scrape

noun

Definition of scrape

1a : the act or process of scrapingb : a sound made by scrapingc : a mark or injury caused by scraping : abrasion bumps and scrapes
2a : the nest of a bird consisting of a usually shallow depression in the groundb : a cleared area on the forest floor made by a male deer during breeding season to attract a doe
3 : a bow made with a drawing back of the foot along the ground
4a : a distressing encounter a scrape with deathb : altercation, fight

See scrape defined for English-language learners

Examples of scrape in a Sentence

There's a scrape on the fender that wasn't there yesterday.
I got a scrape on my knee when I fell.
We survived the accident with a few minor bumps and scrapes.
She got into a few scrapes with the police when she was younger.
the scrape of fingernails on a blackboard

15th Century

First Known Use of scrape

15th century

SCRAPE Defined for English Language Learners

scrape

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verb

Definition of scrape for English Language Learners

: to damage (the surface of something) or hurt (a part of your body) by rubbing something rough or sharp against it or by making it rub against something rough or sharp
: to rub or cause (something) to rub against a hard surface and make a harsh and usually unpleasant sound
: to remove (something) from a surface by rubbing an object or tool against it

scrape

noun

Definition of scrape for English Language Learners

: a mark or injury that is caused by something rubbing against something else
: a bad, dangerous, or unpleasant situation
: a harsh and usually unpleasant sound that is made when something rubs against a hard surface

SCRAPE Defined for Kids

scrape

play

verb \ˈskrāp\

Definition of scrape for Students

scraped

;

scraping

1 : to remove by repeated strokes with something sharp or rough He scraped a patch of crust off with his fingernail. — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee
2 : to clean or smooth by rubbing I scraped the windshield to clear off the ice.
3 : to rub or cause to rub so as to make a harsh noise The boat's keel scraped the stony bottom.
4 : to hurt or roughen by dragging against a rough surface I scraped my knee on the pavement.
5 : to get with difficulty and a little at a time I'm trying to scrape up money.

scrape

play

noun

Definition of scrape for Students

1 : a sound, mark, or injury made by something being dragged or rubbed against something else
2 : a difficult or unpleasant situation
3 : the act of scraping