scratch
scratch /ˈskrætʃ/
noun
-
(
)
An abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
(
abrasion
, excoriation
, scrape
, scratch
)
an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
-
An indication of damage
(
mark
, scrape
, scratch
, scar
)
an indication of damage
The scar on her cheek told a story of past hardships.
The scar on her cheek told a story of past hardships.
-
(golf) a handicap of zero strokes
(
scratch
)
(golf) a handicap of zero strokes
A golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course
a golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course
-
Poor handwriting
(
cacography
, scratch
, scrawl
, scribble
)
poor handwriting
-
A harsh noise made by scraping
(
scratch
, scratching
, scraping
, scrape
)
a harsh noise made by scraping
The scrape of violin bows distracted her
the scrape of violin bows distracted her
-
Dry mash for poultry
(
chicken feed
, scratch
)
dry mash for poultry
-
A line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game
(
scratch
, scratch line
, start
, starting line
)
a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game
-
A competitor who has withdrawn from competition
(
scratch
)
a competitor who has withdrawn from competition
-
Informal terms for money
(
boodle
, bread
, cabbage
, clams
, dinero
, gelt
, lettuce
, lolly
, lucre
, moolah
, pelf
, scratch
, dough
, kale
, loot
, shekels
, simoleons
, sugar
, wampum
)
informal terms for money
-
A depression scratched or carved into a surface
(
dent
, incision
, prick
, scratch
, slit
)
a depression scratched or carved into a surface
verb
-
(
)
Cause friction
(
chafe
, fray
, fret
, rub
, scratch
)
cause friction
My sweater scratches
my sweater scratches
-
(
)
Cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
(
scratch up
, scrape
, scratch
)
cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
-
(
)
Scrape or rub as if to relieve itching
(
rub
, scratch
, itch
)
scrape or rub as if to relieve itching
Don't scratch your insect bites!
Don't scratch your insect bites!
-
Carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
(
grave
[Archaic] , scratch
, engrave
, inscribe
)
carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
Engrave a pen
engrave a pen
Engraved the trophy cup with the winner's name
engraved the trophy cup with the winner's name
The lovers scratched their names into the bark of the tree
the lovers scratched their names into the bark of the tree
-
Gather (money or other resources) together over time
(
come up
, scrape
, scratch
, scrape up
)
gather (money or other resources) together over time
She had scraped together enough money for college
She had scraped together enough money for college
They scratched a meager living
they scratched a meager living
-
Remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line
(
scratch
, excise
, expunge
, strike
)
remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line
Please strike this remark from the record
Please strike this remark from the record
Scratch that remark
scratch that remark
-
Postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
(
scratch
, scrub
, call off
, cancel
)
postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
Call off the engagement
Call off the engagement
Cancel the dinner party
cancel the dinner party
We had to scrub our vacation plans
we had to scrub our vacation plans
Scratch that meeting--the chair is ill
scratch that meeting--the chair is ill