Definition

To search for and collect items that are discarded or no longer wanted, often from waste or dead things.

Example

The birds scavenge for food in the garbage bins.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that documentary about how animals scavenge for food?

Yeah, it was fascinating to see how they find meals in the wild.

I never realized how resourceful they are when they scavenge for leftovers.

Exactly! It really shows the circle of life in nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To search for and collect useful items or materials from discarded or unwanted things.

Example

The children went to the beach to scavenge for interesting shells and stones.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I found some old furniture in the alley yesterday.

Really? Did you scavenge it for parts?

Yeah, I thought I could use the wood for a project.

Root Explanation

Scavenge → It originates from the Middle English 'scavenger' (meaning a person who collects refuse) and is derived from the Old French 'escounger' (meaning to clean or to remove). The word describes the act of searching for and collecting discarded items or refuse.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'cleans' ('escounger') by 'collecting' what others have thrown away — that's why scavenge means to search for and gather discarded items.

Visually Confused Words