sear

adjective

less common spelling of sere

1 : being dried and withered
2 archaic : threadbare

sear

play

verb \ˈsir\

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

See sear defined for English-language learners

See sear defined for kids

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

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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sear

noun

Definition of sear

: a mark or scar left by searing

First Known Use of sear

1874

sear

noun

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

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First Known Use: 1596

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SEAR Defined for English Language Learners

sear

play

verb

Definition of sear for English Language Learners

: to burn and damage the surface of (something) with strong and sudden heat
: to cook the surface of (something, such as a piece of meat) quickly with intense heat

SEAR Defined for Kids

sear

play

verb \ˈsir\

Definition of sear for Students

seared

;

searing

1 : to burn, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden heat searing pain The sight was seared into my memory.
2 : to dry by or as if by heat : parch
3 : to quickly cook the surface by high heat sear meat