̈ɪsɪə v. & adj. --v.tr. 1 a
scorch,
esp.
with a
hot iron;
cauterize,
brand. b (as searing adj.) scorching,
burning (searing pain). 2
cause pain or
great anguish to. 3
brown (meat) quickly at a
high temperature so
that it will
retain its juices in
cooking. 4
make (one's
conscience, feelings, etc.)
callous. 5
archaic blast,
wither. --adj. (also sere)
literary (esp. of a
plant etc.) withered,
dried up. [OE sear (adj.), searian (v.), f. Gmc]