scratch scratch /ˈskrætʃ/

noun

1. () 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
   
2. 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.
   
3. (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
   
4. Poor handwriting  ( cacography , scratch , scrawl , scribble )
   poor handwriting
   
   
5. 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
   
6. Dry mash for poultry  ( chicken feed , scratch )
   dry mash for poultry
   
   
7. 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
   
8. A competitor who has withdrawn from competition  ( scratch )
   a competitor who has withdrawn from competition
   
9. Informal terms for money  ( boodle , bread , cabbage , clams , dinero , gelt , lettuce , lolly , lucre , dough , kale , loot , moolah , pelf , scratch , shekels , simoleons , sugar , wampum )
   informal terms for money
   
10. A depression scratched or carved into a surface  ( dent , incision , prick , scratch , slit )
    a depression scratched or carved into a surface
    

verb

1. () Cause friction  ( chafe , fray , fret , rub , scratch )
   cause friction
    My sweater scratches
   my sweater scratches
   
2. () Cut the surface of; wear away the surface of  ( scratch up , scrape , scratch )
   cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
   
3. () 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!
   
4. 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
   
5. 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
   
6. 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
   
7. 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