sear

Universal Words verb 1 [VN] to burn the surface of sth in a way that is sudden and powerful: The heat of the sun seared their faces. * spicy food that sears the mouth * Sear the meat first (= cook the outside of it quickly at a high temperature) to retain its juices. 2 (written) to cause sb to feel sudden and great pain: [V, +adv./prep.] The pain seared along her arm. * [VN] Feelings of guilt seared him. seealsoSEARING