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scrape

verb

/skreɪp/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scrape

To rub or drag a hard or sharp object against a surface with some force, often resulting in the removal or alteration of material from that surface.
"She had to scrape the burnt bits off the bottom of the pan."

Detailed meaning of scrape

It involves the application of pressure and a back-and-forth motion to scrape away layers, residues, or unwanted substances. Scratching, abrading, or scraping off the topmost layer of a solid material is a common application of this verb. It can also imply the act of using a tool or instrument to collect or gather something by scraping it off a surface. Additionally, "scrape" can describe the sound produced by the friction between an object and a surface, often characterized by a harsh, grating noise. Overall, "scrape" denotes a deliberate and often forceful action of removing, collecting, or altering by means of scraping.

Example sentences containing scrape

1. The car made a loud noise as it went over the bump and I think it must have scrape the underside.
2. Every morning, John uses a special brush to scrape his tongue as part of his oral hygiene routine.
3. My mother uses a knife to scrape the seeds out of the vanilla pod for her baking.
4. The archaeologist carefully used a tool to scrape the dirt away from the ancient artifact.
5. I had to scrape ice off the car windshield this morning because it was so cold last night.
6. The construction workers use bulldozers to scrape the topsoil and prepare the site for building.

History and etymology of scrape

The verb 'scrape' finds its etymological origins in the Old Norse word 'skrapa,' which meant 'to scrape' or 'to scratch.' This Old Norse term was brought into Middle English as 'scrapen,' retaining its fundamental meaning of using a hard or sharp object to rub against a surface, often with force, resulting in the removal or alteration of material from that surface. The word 'scrape' has maintained this primary sense through its evolution into modern English. Its etymology reflects the idea of friction and abrasion, emphasizing the action of scraping to remove or modify material, a process that remains central to the word's meaning today.

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Further usage examples of scrape

1. He used his pocket knife to scrape the bark off the stick he found in the woods.
2. The child tried to scrape up all the fallen leaves into a pile to jump in.
3. The barber uses a straight razor to scrape away the stubble for a clean shave.
4. My cat loves to scrape its claws against the scratching post in the living room.
5. I accidentally stepped on some gum and had to scrape it off my shoe with a stick.
6. She used a spatula to scrape the burnt bits from the pan.
7. The gardener had to scrape moss off the old stone pathway.
8. He had to scrape the ice off his car's windshield in the morning.
9. The chef needed to scrape the excess dough from the cutting board.
10. The detective tried to scrape away the layer of grime for evidence.
11. She had to scrape the old paint off the wooden door.
12. He used a knife to scrape the mud from his boots.
13. The worker had to scrape the rust off the metal railing.
14. The explorer used a brush to scrape away the ancient dirt.
15. She had to scrape the gum off her shoe with a stick.
16. He needed to scrape the barnacles off the boat's hull.
17. The archaeologist carefully scraped the soil to uncover artifacts.
18. She had to scrape the label residue off the glass jar.
19. The sculptor used a chisel to scrape the marble into shape.
20. He had to scrape the sticker off the laptop cover.
21. The mechanic had to scrape the grease off the engine parts.
22. She used a sponge to scrape the sauce off the stovetop.
23. He had to scrape the old wallpaper from the bedroom walls.
24. The painter needed to scrape the peeling paint from the fence.
25. She tried to scrape the mud off her shoes with a branch.