scathe
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /skeɪð/
KK: /skeɪð/
noun
Definition
Harm or injury caused to someone or something.
Example
The scathe of the accident left many people injured.
Conversation
I heard you got into a little accident on your bike yesterday.
Yeah, I fell and it left quite a scathe on my arm.
Ouch! That sounds painful; did you get it checked out?
I did, but the doctor said it should heal fine.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
harm
injury
damage
Antonyms
benefit
aid
help
transitive verb
Definition
To criticize someone or something very harshly; to cause harm or injury, especially through words or actions.
Example
The article was meant to scathe the politician for his controversial decisions.
Tense Forms
Past: scathed
Past Participle: scathed
Conversation
Did you hear the review of that new restaurant?
Yeah, I read it — the critic really scathed the food quality.
That's so harsh! I wonder if it was really that bad.
Root Explanation
Scathe originates from Old English 'scoþ', meaning harm or injury. The word refers to causing damage or injury to someone or something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'scathe' as a word that means to cause 'harm' — it directly connects to its Old English roots.
Visually Confused Words
swathe
spathe
snathe
seathe
scythe
scrath
sclate
scarth