English · Body & Health
scratch
/skrætʃ/
[/skrætʃ/]
rub the skin with nails to stop itching
Beginnerverb
Definition
To rub the skin with the fingernails, often to stop an itch. It can also mean to make a thin mark on a surface, or be a noun for such a mark.
Example
Try not to scratch the insect bite.
Try not to scratch the insect bite.
Etymology
From Middle English 'scratchen', a blend of 'scratten' and 'cracchen'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for itching and for marks on surfaces; 'from scratch' means from the beginning.