torch

1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯrch 

often attributive

1

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

2

: something (such as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance

pass the torch to the next generation

3

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight sense 1

5

: incendiary sense 2b

torch

2 of 2

verb

torched; torching; torches

transitive verb

: to set fire to with or as if with a torch

Synonyms

Noun

• arsonist
• firebug
• incendiary

Verb

• burn
• enkindle
• fire
• ignite
• inflame
• enflame
• kindle
• light

Examples of torch in a Sentence

Noun

several suspicious fires in the past few months have probably been set by the same torch

Verb

An arsonist torched the building.

police suspect that the owner torched the house for the insurance money

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Michel’s children are the fourth generation to carry the torch: César serves as head chef at Le Bois Sans Feuilles, while Léo, his younger brother, is head chef at La Colline du Colombier, a more casual restaurant located in nearby Iguerande. —Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023

As the search for a new artistic director begins, my fear is this: The board will pass the torch to a dancer with vast experience inside the organization, but less experience watching dance in the larger world. —Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023

Remaining independent is often a top priority, and for some, that means looking to family to carry the torch. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2023

Starstruck is a rom-com carrying the torch for the classics. —Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Pitchfork, 16 Nov. 2023

This set comes with a smoker, torch lighter, a filter, a spoon, a cleaning brush, four different kinds of wooden chips, and four stone ice cubes. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023

Dutcher and Athletic Director John David Wicker have carried the torch since. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2023

The Regina George torch was eventually passed on to Taylor Louderman, who played the character on Broadway. —Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023

The highest-capacity Pro model matches or bests a single-use alkaline battery for most gadgets, including game controllers, toys, and torches. —WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023

Verb

When baked, the mile-high meringue develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior, replicating the visual effect of a Baked Alaska or torched marshmallow. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023

Watch out for Chas Nobody has torched the Rangers quite like Chas McCormick has this year. —Evan Grant, Dallas News, 5 Sep. 2023

As Berg torched Chaos on one end, Kelly did so on the other. —Trevor Hass, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023

For the topping: Granulated sugar is torched for a thin caramel topping. —Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2023

Rows of houses now stand devoid of life, their windows broken, bedrooms torched, and residents’ possessions strewn all around. —Heather Chen, CNN, 24 Oct. 2023

The next day, two Hamas gunmen open fire at a hummus restaurant at an Israeli settlement, killing four Israelis Hundreds of Israeli settlers then rampage through Palestinian villages, torching homes and cars, and shooting at residents, according to local officials. —Bryan Pietsch, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023

On a single day In 1944, the Nazis murdered 642 unarmed villagers, including women and children, before torching the town. —Nina Caplan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2023

Worthy also torched Alabama for 97 yards operating against both Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. —Nick Alvarez | [e-mail], al, 5 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing torch

• carry a torch
• pass the torch (on)
• carry the torch
• plasma torch
• torch song
• torch singer

• carry a torch
• pass the torch (on)
• carry the torch
• plasma torch
• torch song
• torch singer

Kids Definition

torch

noun

ˈtȯ(ə)rch

1

: a flaming light made of something that burns brightly and usually is carried in the hand

2

: something that guides or gives light or heat like a torch

3

: any of various portable devices for producing a hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight

Medical Definition

TORCH

noun

ˈtȯrch 

: a group of pathological agents that cause similar symptoms in newborns and that include especially a toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gonii), cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and the togavirus causing German measles

Etymology

Noun

toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus