Word: scratch Part of Speech: verb Etymology: From Middle English scracchen, of uncertain origin. Probably a blend of Middle English scratten (“to scratch”) and cracchen (“to scratch”). More at scrat and cratch. Pronunciation: /skɹæt͡ʃ/ 1. To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc. Example: Could you please scratch my back? Example: Then riſing with Aurora’s Light, / The Muse invok’d, ſit down to write; / Blot out, correct, inſert, refine, / Enlarge, diminiſh, interline; / Be mindful, when Invention fails, / To ſcratch your Head, and bite your Nails. 2. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching. Example: I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck. Example: Sometimes I lost track of them and had to hunt round in a circle, thrusting through sharp-scented bushes, scratching myself [translating m’écorchant] on various plants which were still new to me: resinaceous rock-roses, juniper, ilex, yellow and white asphodel. 3. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching. 4. To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun). Example: A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass. 5. To get such scratches. Example: This platter scratches easily. 6. To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page. 7. To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page. Example: Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong. Example: When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows. 8. To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching). 9. To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table. Example: Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table. 10. To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game. Labels: US, dated 11. To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl. Example: If any of the Labourers can ſcratch out a Pamphlet, they deſire no more; There is no Queſtion offered about the Wit, the Style, the Argument. 12. To dig or excavate with the claws. Labels: ambitransitive Example: Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow. 13. To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure. Example: The cat scratched the little girl. 14. To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that one was previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting. Example: Kerley, 26, is the 2019 World bronze medalist at 400 meters, a distance he is known for and with which he also won the 2017 and 2019 U.S. titles, but surprised the track world by announcing one week ago that he scratched the 400m and would focus on the 100m and 200m in Eugene, Oregon, despite not having raced the 100m between 2015 and 2020. Example: Hurtis-Houairi, in lane three, quickly caught Arron, who was in lane four, winning in 22.80. Arron, who scratched the 100m semis in order to focus on the longer sprint, could only run 23.44.