scratch S₁C₃R₁A₁T₁C₃H₄

Verb 4 meanings

1. 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?”

2. 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.”

3. To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).

   “A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.”

4. To get such scratches.

   “This platter scratches easily.”

Noun 4 meanings

1. A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.

   “I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.”

2. An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.

   “The dog sat up and had a good scratch.”

3. A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.

4. A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.

Adjective 4 meanings

1. For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.

   “This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.”

2. Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation

3. Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.

   “scratch memory”

4. (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.

Similar and opposite words

• WATCH₁₃
• MATCH₁₂
• CATCH₁₂
• SWITCH₁₄
• PITCH₁₂
• DUTCH₁₁
• STRETCH₁₂
• PATCH₁₂
• WITCH₁₃
• SKETCH₁₅
• BATCH₁₂
• MITCH₁₂

• SCRITCH₁₄
• SCRANCH₁₄
• SCRAICH₁₄
• SCRAUCH₁₄