parch
UK: pɑːtʃ | US: pɑːrtʃ
vt. to dry or roast something with heat, often to the point of dehydration
vt. to make very thirsty
vi. to become dry or scorched
The word "parch" traces back to Middle English, blending Old French and Latin influences. The root "par" conveys dryness, while the suffix "ch" transforms it into an active verb. Originally associated with drying or withering, its meaning expanded to include intense thirst, reflecting the physical effects of dehydration. The word’s evolution mirrors the harshness of arid environments, where heat "parches" both land and people.
The summer sun will parch the grass if it doesn’t rain soon.
After hiking for hours, I felt completely parched.
The baker parched the grains to enhance their flavor.
Desert winds can quickly parch your skin.
The drought parched the farmland, leaving cracks in the soil.