Definition

To become very dry or thirsty, often due to a lack of moisture.

Example

After walking in the hot sun for hours, I began to parch.

Tense Forms

Conversation

After that long hike, I just feel like I'm going to parch if I don't drink some water soon.

I know what you mean! It's so easy to get thirsty out here.

Yeah, I didn't expect the sun to make me parch this quickly.

Let's find a spot to rest and hydrate before continuing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something very dry, especially by using heat, or to cause someone to feel very thirsty.

Example

The sun parched the fields, leaving them brown and lifeless.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how the sun really parched the garden yesterday?

Yeah, it looked super dry!

I had to water the plants twice to keep them alive.

Root Explanation

Parch → It originates from Old French *parchir* (meaning to dry up) and is related to the Latin *parcare* (meaning to spare or refrain). The word 'parch' means to make dry, especially by exposure to heat.

Memory Tip

Imagine something being 'spared' from moisture, leading to it becoming dry — that's why 'parch' means to dry out.

Visually Confused Words