scratch
/skɹæt͡ʃ/ verb B2- To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc. · Could you please scratch my back?
- To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching. · I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
- To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
- To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun). · A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
- To get such scratches. · This platter scratches easily.
- To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
- Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete. · Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.· When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.
- To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
He/she/it scratches · Past scratched · Past participle scratched · -ing form scratching
Verb forms
- Base form
- scratch
- He/she/it
- scratches
- Past
- scratched
- Past participle
- scratched
- -ing form
- scratching
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
The cabman scratched his head.
A COCK, scratching for food for himself and his hens, found a precious stone and exclaimed: “If your owner had found thee, and not I, he would have taken thee up, and have set thee in thy first estate; but I have found thee for no purpose.
The remaining Monkeys threw pieces of stout rope around the Lion and wound many coils about his body and head and legs, until he was unable to bite or scratch or struggle in any way.
“When they scratched against the tin it made a cold shiver run down my back.
Other matches
Learn scratch in real texts
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