First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1torch
noun, often attributive \ˈtȯrch\
: a long stick with material at one end that burns brightly
Full Definition of TORCH
1
: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau
2
: something (as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance <pass the torch to the next generation>
3
: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame — compare blowtorch
4
chiefly British : flashlight 2
5
: incendiary 1a
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Origin of TORCH
Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture
Related to TORCH
- Synonyms
- firebug, incendiary, arsonist
2torch
transitive verb
: to set fire to (something, such as a building) deliberately : to cause (something) to burn
Full Definition of TORCH
: to set fire to with or as if with a torch
First Known Use of TORCH
1901
TORCH Defined for Kids
torch
noun \ˈtȯrch\
Definition of TORCH for Kids
1
: a flaming light that is made of something which burns brightly and that is usually carried in the hand
2
: something that gives light or guidance <She passed the torch of family traditions to her children.>
3
: a portable device for producing a hot flame <a welder's torch>
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