Torch Definition
tôrch
torched, torches, torching
noun
torches
A portable light consisting of a long piece of resinous wood, or twisted tow dipped in tallow, etc., flaming at one end; link; flambeau.
Webster's New World
Anything considered as a source of enlightenment, illumination, inspiration, etc.
The torch of science.
Webster's New World
A flashlight.
Webster's New World
Something that serves to illuminate, enlighten, or guide.
American Heritage
Any of various portable devices for producing a very hot flame, used in welding, burning off paint, etc.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- Aaron's rod
- great mullein
- common mullein
- woolly mullein
- flannel mullein
- verbascum-thapsus
- flashlight
- blowlamp
- blowtorch
- incendiary
- flambeau (flaming torch)
- flambeau
- firebug
- cresset
- light
verb
torched, torches, torching
To cause to burn or undergo combustion, especially with extraordinary rapidity, force, or thoroughness.
American Heritage
To set fire to, as in arson.
Webster's New World
idiom
carry a torch
- To have longstanding feelings of love that are not requited:
still carrying the torch for a man she knew in her twenties.
American Heritage
put to the torch
- To destroy by fire; burn down.
American Heritage
carry a torch for
- to be in love with (someone) for a period of time, esp. without having one's love returned
Webster's New World
pass the torch
- to give up to another person one's status of importance or influence
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Torch
- carry a torch
- put to the torch
- carry a torch for
- pass the torch
Origin of Torch
-
Middle English torche from Old French from Vulgar Latin torca alteration of Latin torqua variant of torquēs torque from Latin torquēre to twist terkw- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From Old French torche, ultimately from Latin torqueō (“twist").
From Wiktionary
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