Langimage
English

scouring

|scour/ing|

B2

/ˈskaʊərɪŋ/

(scour)

thorough cleaning or searching

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
scourscoursscoursscouredscouredscouring
Etymology
Etymology Information

'scour' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'scuren,' which meant 'to clean or polish.'

Historical Evolution

'scuren' transformed into the modern English word 'scour' through Old French influence.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to clean or polish,' but over time it also evolved to mean 'to search thoroughly.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

the act of cleaning or polishing a surface by rubbing it hard, typically with an abrasive or detergent.

She spent the afternoon scouring the pots and pans.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to search thoroughly and energetically.

The police were scouring the area for clues.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45