Sear
/sɪr/noun
To burn or scorch the surface of something.
Did you know?In Old English, 'sear' was closely associated with the concept of burning away impurities, hinting at ancient purification rituals through fire.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sē-
“to burn or consume with fire.”
Old English
Old English
sēar
“to burn or scorch, particularly in relation to cooking.”
Middle English
Middle English
sēren
“to scorch or singe, especially in the context of cooking meat.”
Modern English
English
sear
“to burn or scorch the surface of food or other material, often to enhance flavor.”