Definition

Very hot, often causing burns or a burning feeling, especially from liquids or intense heat.

Example

Be careful with that scalding water; it can burn your skin.

Conversation

Be careful with that tea; it's still scalding hot!

Wow, I can see the steam coming off it.

Yeah, I almost burned my tongue yesterday.

Good thing you warned me; I hate scalding drinks!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scalding → It is formed from "scald" (from Old English "scaldan", meaning to burn with hot liquid) and "-ing" (a suffix used to form present participles or gerunds). The word "scalding" refers to the act of burning or being burned by hot liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for burning with hot liquid — that's what scalding means.

Visually Confused Words