sear
UK: sɪə | US: sɪr
vt. 1. To burn or scorch the surface of something with sudden, intense heat.
vt. 2. To cause emotional pain or trauma.
adj. 1. Dry or withered (archaic).
The word "sear" traces back to Old English sēar ("dry, withered"), from Proto-Germanic sauzaz ("dry"). The core idea of "drying by heat" evolved into the modern sense of burning or scorching. The verb form emerged in Middle English, emphasizing rapid heat application (e.g., searing meat). The emotional sense (e.g., "searing pain") is a metaphorical extension of physical burning.
The chef seared the steak to lock in its juices.
The wildfire seared the landscape, leaving nothing but ashes.
Her words seared his heart with regret.
The iron seared a mark into the wooden table.
The memory of the accident still sears his mind.