Burn
/bɜːrn/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo be destroyed or damaged by fire.
/bɜːrn/
To be consumed by fire.
The candle burned brightly.
💡 Simply: To be on fire.
More Examples
I accidentally burned my hand on the stove.
How It's Used
"The house burned down."
"Burn the toast until it's golden brown."
To experience a painful sensation of heat.
/bɜːrn/
To feel intense heat.
The chili sauce burned my mouth.
💡 Simply: To feel hot and painful.
More Examples
My cheeks burned with embarrassment.
How It's Used
"My skin burned after sun exposure."
An injury caused by heat, flame, or friction.
/bɜːrn/
An injury caused by fire or heat.
He had a bad burn on his arm.
💡 Simply: A hurt from fire or heat.
More Examples
The firefighters treated the burn victims.
How It's Used
"He suffered severe burns in the accident."
Idioms & expressions
burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night.
"She burned the midnight oil to finish her project."
Old English *byrn(an), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch branden and German brennen.
The word 'burn' has been used in various contexts throughout history, ranging from descriptions of literal fires to metaphorical uses indicating strong feelings or intense activity.
Memory tip
Imagine a bonfire BURNING brightly.
Word Origin
"To consume by fire"