Parch

/pɑɹt͡ʃ/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To burn the surface of, to scorch..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To burn the surface of, to scorch.
2. (transitive) To roast, as dry grain.
3. (transitive) To dry to extremity; to shrivel with heat.
4. (transitive, colloquial) To make very thirsty.
5. (transitive, archaic) To boil something slowly (Still used in Lancashire in parched peas, a type of mushy peas).
6. (intransitive) To become superficially burnt; to become sunburned.
7. The condition of being parched.

Example Sentences

The sun today could parch cement.

Ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn.

The patient’s mouth is parched from fever.

They vvould go over board vvith a Rope faſtned about them, that by drenching themſelves a vvhile in the Sea, they might eaſe the internal Heat vvhich parched them; and vvhen they ſtood any of them to ſteer the Veſſel, they vvould have their Feet in a Pail of Sea VVater to refrigerate 'em.

The last day's march was very painful, for the north wind, blowing full in their faces, parched and benumbed the men.

We're parched, hon. Could you send up an ale from the cooler?

In my haste I stumbled , and fell over one of the wounded; he groaned, and prayed me for a cup of water to cool the thirst that parched him.

Serpents bit them, thirst parched them, Amalekites assailed them.

Synonyms for parch

Antonyms for parch

Related Words

Word Forms

• parches
• parching
• parched

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions