scratch
/skɹæt͡ʃ/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.16 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
1
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
verb
To get such scratches.
verb
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
verb
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
verb
To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
Example Sentences
- "Could you please scratch my back?"
- "Then riſing with Aurora’s Light, / The Muse invok’d, ſit down to write; / Blot out, correct, inſert, refine, / Enlarge, diminiſh, interline; / Be mindful, when Invention fails, / To ſcratch your Head, and bite your Nails."
- "I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck."
- "Sometimes I lost track of them and had to hunt round in a circle, thrusting through sharp-scented bushes, scratching myself [translating m’écorchant] on various plants which were still new to me: resinaceous rock-roses, juniper, ilex, yellow and white asphodel."
- "A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass."
- "This platter scratches easily."
Etymology
From Middle English scracchen, of uncertain origin. Potentially a blend of Middle English scratten (“to scratch”) and cracchen (“to scratch”). More at scrat and cratch. Compare Old English scrama, Old Norse skråma, German Schramme (“scratch”), which may be related.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: scracchen, scratten