Scoured

To 'scour' primarily means to clean or scrub something vigorously, often with abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. It can also mean to search thoroughly and carefully, examining every part of something or a place to find something or someone. Figuratively, it can refer to the act of being subjected to strong criticism or negative impacts. The method used implies a forceful action, and the context highlights the intent to remove, find, or endure through intensive effort. The object of scouring might range from a dirty surface to a hidden truth.

Scoured meaning with examples

• The chef scoured the burnt pot with steel wool, finally removing the stubborn residue after much elbow grease. The goal was to restore the cooking utensil to its original condition and the action taken was harsh. The effort made to scour the pot was intensive. This demonstrates the cleaning aspect of the verb.
• Detectives scoured the crime scene, meticulously examining every inch of the apartment for clues that might reveal the perpetrator. Their investigation involved a painstaking search. The process was exhaustive, with the goal to find traces of the offender. This illustrates the thorough search definition of the word.
• The town faced relentless criticism as the scandal involving the mayor unfolded, its reputation scoured by media coverage. The negative impacts were widespread. The town endured harsh circumstances, which are reflected in the verb used here. This is the metaphorical use of scouring.
• Before painting, I scoured the old wooden table to remove the existing varnish, creating a smooth surface for the new finish. This cleaning process was necessary. The removal of unwanted elements was part of the process to achieve a different look and feel to the table, showing vigorous action.
• After receiving a tip, the treasure hunters scoured the old shipwreck, diving deep and excavating the ocean floor to search for sunken gold coins. Their search was systematic and determined. The environment provided harsh conditions, showing the depth of effort in finding what they were looking for.