burn

n.

burn

v.

1. To oxidize

   be on fire, catch on fire, consume, combust, burn up, burn down, incinerate, rage, blaze, flame, flash, glow, burn fiercely, flare, blaze up, flame up, flare up, burst into flame, grow bright, turn to ashes, smolder, smoke.

2. To subject to fire

   set on fire, ignite, light, kindle, incinerate, enkindle, cremate, relight, conflagrate, consume with flames, rekindle, reduce to ashes, set a match to, set ablaze, set afire, torch, sear, singe, scorch, brand, char, cauterize, roast, toast, heat, bake, brown, blacken, overcook, carbonize, fire, consign to the flame; see also cook.

   Antonyms extinguish*, put out*, quench. *

3. To feel emotion suggestive of fire

   tingle, lust, desire, yearn, thirst, be excited, be inflamed, be aroused, be stirred up, breathe fire and fury*; see also rage 1.

4. To feel or cause to feel a burning sensation

   smart, sting, bite, throb; see hurt 1, 4.

5. *To cheat

   swindle, defraud, trick, rob; see deceive.

6. To scorch

   char, sear, roast, toast, parch, bake, singe, scald, wither; see also sense 2.

burn is the broadest term in this comparison, denoting injury to any extent by fire or something with the effect of fire, as intense heat, friction, or acid a burnt log, sunburned, windburned; scorch and singe both imply superficial burning, scorch emphasizing discoloration or damaging of texture to scorch a shirt in ironing, and singe, the burning off, often intentional, of bristles, feathers, the ends of hair, etc.; sear implies the burning of animal tissue and is applied specifically to the quick browning of the outside of meat in cooking to seal in the juices to sear a roast; char implies a reduction by burning to charcoal or carbon: all of these terms have figurative applications a burning desire, a scorching tirade, a singed reputation, a soul-searing experience, charred hopes