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sear
less common spelling of sere
1 : being dried and withered
2 archaic : threadbare
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Definition of sear
intransitive verb
: to cause withering or drying
transitive verb
1 : to make withered and dry : parch
2a : to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heatb : to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat sear a steak
Examples of sear in a Sentence
The tree was seared by lightning.
The flames seared my skin.
The steak was seared over a hot grill.
Origin and Etymology of sear
Middle English seren, from Old English sēarian to become dry, from sēar sere
First Known Use of sear
1874
sear
Definition of sear
: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock
Origin and Etymology of sear
probably from Middle French serre grasp, from serrer to press, grasp, from Old French, from Late Latin serare to bolt, latch, from Latin sera bar for fastening a door
SEAR Defined for English Language Learners
sear
playDefinition of sear for English Language Learners
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: to burn and damage the surface of (something) with strong and sudden heat
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: to cook the surface of (something, such as a piece of meat) quickly with intense heat
SEAR Defined for Kids
Learn More about sear
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sear Spanish Central: Translation of sear Nglish: Translation of sear for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sear for Arabic speakers
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