'searing' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sēar', where it meant 'to burn or make dry'.

'sear' developed from Old English 'sēar' into Middle English forms such as 'seren'/'searen' and eventually became the modern English verb 'sear' and adjective 'searing'.

Initially, it meant 'to burn or make dry,' but over time it evolved to mean 'to scorch intensely' and, figuratively, 'to affect sharply or emotionally'.