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scratch

verb

/skrætʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scratch

To rub or scrape something with a sharp or rough object, usually with one's fingernails or a pointed instrument.
"He couldn't resist the urge to scratch the mosquito bite."

Detailed meaning of scratch

One common usage of scratch is the action of lightly scraping the surface of the skin to alleviate an itch. When an itch occurs, we instinctively scratch the affected area to find relief. Scratch can also describe the act of making shallow marks or abrasions on a surface, such as scratching one's initials into a tree trunk or scratching a design onto a piece of glass. Additionally, scratch can refer to the act of creating a shallow cut or abrasion on an object's surface accidentally, such as scratching a phone screen or scratching the paint of a car with a key. Furthermore, the verb scratch can indicate the action of rubbing or scraping something with force, often resulting in a sound, such as scratching a record or scratching the surface of a chalkboard with a fingernail. Overall, scratch implies the act of using a sharp or rough object to scrape, mark, or alleviate an itch on a surface.

Example sentences containing scratch

1. She couldn't resist the urge to scratch the mosquito bite.
2. He used a coin to scratch his initials into the tree trunk.
3. The cat began to scratch the furniture, much to her dismay.
4. His attempt to scratch the lottery ticket revealed a prize.
5. She had to scratch the ice off her car's windshield.
6. The dog would scratch at the door when he wanted to go out.

History and etymology of scratch

The verb 'scratch' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'screccan,' which meant 'to scratch or scrape with the nails or claws.' This Old English term is akin to the Old Norse word 'skrapa,' which conveyed a similar action of scraping or scratching. Both of these words are rooted in the Proto-Germanic word '*skrekkōną,' which also referred to the act of scratching or scraping. The imagery of using one's nails or a pointed instrument to rub or scrape a surface is inherent in the word's historical development. Over time, 'scratch' retained this primary meaning, describing the action of using a sharp or rough object, such as fingernails or a pointed instrument, to rub against a surface, typically to mark or remove material. This etymology reflects the enduring association between the word 'scratch' and the physical act of scraping or marking a surface with a sharp or rough implement.

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Further usage examples of scratch

1. The child would scratch his head when deep in thought.
2. She had to scratch the dried mud from her hiking boots.
3. The itch on his arm was unbearable, making him scratch it.
4. He tried to scratch a message into the sand at the beach.
5. The musician used a pick to scratch out a catchy riff.
6. The cat would scratch the post to sharpen its claws.
7. She had to scratch the paint off the old wooden chair.
8. He used a stick to scratch his back where he couldn't reach.
9. The squirrel would scratch at the ground searching for nuts.
10. I scratch my head when I'm deep in thought.
11. The cat loves to scratch the furniture.
12. Please don't scratch the lottery ticket until we're all ready.
13. I scratch my arm absentmindedly when I'm nervous.
14. The chicken tried to scratch the ground to find worms.
15. The old wooden table has a deep scratch along its surface.
16. The tree branches scratch against the window on windy nights.
17. He used a key to scratch his initials on the wooden fence.
18. The athlete felt the need to scratch his leg during the race.
19. The rock's sharp edge can scratch the surface of the car.
20. The dry leaves scratch against each other as the wind blows.
21. The child used a stick to scratch his name on the sandy beach.
22. The monkey used its long nails to scratch its back.
23. Be careful not to scratch the delicate surface of the antique vase.
24. The puppy would scratch at the door when it wanted to go outside.
25. The rough fabric of the carpet can scratch your skin if you crawl on it.