scorch

Noun

• a discoloration caused by heat

• a plant disease that produces a browning or scorched appearance of plant tissues

• a surface burn

Verb

• become scorched or singed under intense heat or dry conditions
  • The exposed tree scorched in the hot sun
    

• burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color
  • The cook blackened the chicken breast
    
  • The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece
    
  • the flames scorched the ceiling
    

• destroy completely by or as if by fire
  • The wildfire scorched the forest and several homes
    
  • the invaders scorched the land
    

• become superficially burned
  • my eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames
    

• make very hot and dry
  • The heat scorched the countryside
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  singe , char , blacken , sear