Parching – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms

The word “Parching” (adjective) describes something that dries out or scorches due to intense heat, often leaving things overly dry or lacking moisture. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use Parching correctly in sentences.

Parching Explained in Depth

A complete and detailed guide to the word Parching including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.

Meanings of Parching

Parching means causing something to become extremely dry, often from excessive heat or lack of water. It can describe the effect of the sun, drought, or heat on plants, land, or even a person’s throat.

Definition

Parching refers to making something very dry or dehydrated, typically through exposure to heat. It emphasizes the physical effect of heat or aridity on people, objects, or environments. For example, walking through the desert was a parching experience.

Etymology

The word parching comes from the verb “parch,” which originates from Middle English “perchen,” related to Old French “parchier,” meaning “to scorch.”
It evolved to describe the drying or scorching effect of heat, especially sun or fire.

Example Sentences

  • The parching sun left the fields cracked and lifeless.
  • After hiking all afternoon, the heat was parching his throat.
  • The parching wind dried out her lips and skin.

Parching Synonyms

  • Scorching
  • Dehydrating
  • Drying
  • Withering
  • Baking
  • Searing
  • Desiccating
  • Burning
  • Cracking
  • Wilting

Parching Antonyms

  • Moistening
  • Hydrating
  • Cooling
  • Dampening
  • Refreshing
  • Irrigating
  • Watering
  • Reviving
  • Quenching
  • Soothing

FAQs about Parching

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the word “Parching”

What does “parching” actually mean?

“Parching” means causing dryness or dehydration, usually due to intense heat or lack of moisture.

Is “parching” used only for weather?

No, it can also describe the effect of heat or dryness on people, objects, or land, such as a parching thirst or parching heat.

Can “parching” describe emotions?

Not typically. It’s mainly used in a physical or environmental sense, not metaphorical or emotional contexts.

How is “parching” different from “scorching”?

“Parching” focuses on drying effects, while “scorching” emphasizes burning or high temperature.

Is “parching” a common word?

It’s less common in everyday speech but is often used in descriptive or literary contexts about heat or thirst.

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