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Torch vs Scorch - What's the difference?

torch | scorch |

As nouns the difference between torch and scorch

is that torch is a stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material while scorch is a slight or surface burn.

As verbs the difference between torch and scorch

is that torch is to set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick) while scorch is to burn the surface of something so as to discolour it.

torch

English

(wikipedia torch)

Noun

(es)
  • A stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.
    • The mob of angry villagers carried torches and pitchforks to the vampire?s castle.
  • * 1984 June–July, Frances A. Harmon, The Olympic Games - For Good and All'', '' , page 18,
    • Eleven days before the start of the Games, a flaming torch is ignited by the sun in Olympia at the ruins of the ancient Temple of Zeus.
  • * 2007 , Lee Mylne, Frommer?s Portable Australia?s Great Barrier Reef , page 87,
    • Coconut palms with white-painted trunks surround the lagoon, which is lit by flaming torches at night.
  • * 2008 April 22-28, , page 48,
    • The degradation of the torch worldwide— it had to be snuffed out more than once to protect it from protesters—even provoked angry Chinese students to mobilise “150 strong and energetic runners” to defend it in Australia, raising the spectre of violence.
  • (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) A portable light source powered by electricity; a flashlight.
    • Ernst slipped and dropped his torch on the flagstones, shattering the bulb and plunging us into darkness.
  • * 2003 , Margo Daly, Anne Dehne, Rough Guide to Australia , page 385,
    • There are no streetlights — so you?ll need to bring a torch with you, or buy one from Joy?s Shop, if you want to venture out at night.
  • * 2006 , Marc Llewellyn, Lee Mylne, Frommer?s Australia from $60 a Day , page 365,
    • It's a good idea to bring a torch (flashlight) and maybe binoculars for wildlife spotting.
  • * 2010 , Nicholas Tailey, Simon O?Connor, Examination Medicine , Elsevier Australia, page 349,
    • Use your pocket torch and shine the light from the side to gauge the reaction to light on both sides.
  • (slang, US) An arsonist.

    • Synonyms

    * (stick with flame at one end) brand * (portable electric light) flashlight (US)

    Derived terms

    * blowtorch * carry a torch for * torchbearer * torchlight * torch runner * torch singer * torch song

    See also

    * handlamp * headlamp

    Verb

    (es)
  • To set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick).
    • Some hoodlums had torched a derelict automobile, which emitted a ghastly pall of thick, black smoke that filled the street.

    Synonyms

    * (set fire to) burn, firebomb, ignite, inflame, set ablaze

    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