What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Scorch vs Ignite - What's the difference?

scorch | ignite |

In transitive terms the difference between scorch and ignite

is that scorch is to wither, parch or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy while ignite is to spark off (something), to enthuse.

In intransitive terms the difference between scorch and ignite

is that scorch is to move at high speed (so as to leave scorch marks on the ground while ignite is to commence burning.

As a noun scorch

is a slight or surface burn.

scorch

English

Noun

(es)
  • A slight or surface burn.
  • A discolouration caused by heat.
  • Brown discoloration on the leaves of plants caused by heat, lack of water or by fungi.
  • Derived terms

    * scorchy

    Verb

    (es)
  • To burn the surface of something so as to discolour it
  • To wither, parch or destroy something by heat or fire, especially to make land or buildings unusable to an enemy
  • * Prior
  • Lashed by mad rage, and scorched by brutal fires.
  • To become scorched or singed
  • To move at high speed (so as to leave scorch marks on the ground)
  • To burn; to destroy by, or as by, fire.
  • * Bible, Revelations xvi. 8
  • Power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
  • * Dryden
  • the fire that scorches me to death

    References

    ignite

    English

    Verb

    (ignit)
  • to set fire to (something), to light (something)
  • to spark off (something), to enthuse
  • to commence burning.
  • (chemistry) To subject to the action of intense heat; to heat strongly; often said of incombustible or infusible substances.
  • to ignite iron or platinum

    Anagrams

    * English ergative verbs ----