1burn or scorch the surface of (something) with a sudden, intense heat:the water got so hot that it seared our lips figurativea sharp pang of disappointment seared her
fix (an image or memory) permanently in someone’s mind or memory:the unfortunate childhood encounter is seared on his memory
fry (food) quickly at a high temperature so that it will retain its juices in subsequent cooking: (as adjective seared)seared chicken livers
2 [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of pain) be experienced as a sudden, burning sensation:a crushing pain seared through his chest
3 archaic cause to wither:when summer sears the plains
make (someone’s conscience or feelings) insensitive:a long career of ambition, craft, and despotic rule never utterly seared his conscience
