Burn

Definition

Burn is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to be on fire or to undergo combustion, producing heat and light. It can also mean to damage or injure through exposure to heat, chemicals, or friction. As a noun, it refers to an injury caused by heat or fire, or the sensation of heat or irritation in a specific area.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɜrn/
• Respelling: burn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɜːn/
• Respelling: burn

Etymology

The word "burn" originates from the Old English "byrnan" or "beornan," which meant "to be on fire" or "to burn." Its Proto-Germanic roots are found in "*brennan," which means "to burn" or "to set on fire." The term has been in use since early English to describe the process of combustion and damage caused by heat.

Derivatives

• Burner (noun)
• Burnt (adjective)
• Burning (adjective)
• Overburn (verb)
• Burnout (noun)

Synonyms

• Ignite
• Scorch
• Singed

Antonyms

• Extinguish
• Cool
• Quench

Usage

The verb "burn" is used to describe the process of combustion, as in "The fire continued to burn throughout the night." It is also used to refer to injuries or marks left by heat, such as "She had a burn on her arm."

Related Terms

• Combustion: The chemical process of burning, typically producing heat and light.
• Incinerate: To burn something completely until it turns to ash.
• Char: To partially burn so as to blacken the surface.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To undergo combustion, producing heat and light: Refers to the process of being on fire or actively burning.
  • Example: "The wood in the fireplace burned brightly."
• To damage or injure through exposure to heat, chemicals, or friction: Describes the physical harm caused by intense heat or other burning agents.
  • Example: "She accidentally burned her hand on the stove."

Noun

• An injury caused by heat, chemicals, or friction: Refers to the result of exposure to burning elements, causing damage to the skin.
  • Example: "He suffered a burn from the hot water."
• The sensation of heat or irritation: Used to describe the feeling of intense heat or pain in a specific area.
  • Example: "She felt the burn in her muscles after the workout."