Singe

To singe means to burn slightly or superficially, often causing discoloration or a slight char. It usually refers to a gentle burning, not a complete incineration. The effect can be on a person's hair, clothing, or other materials. The damage is generally minor, leaving only a mark or a scorched appearance. This verb conveys a lighter level of thermal damage compared to 'burn' or 'incinerate'. Think of it as a brief exposure to heat causing a slight alteration rather than a thorough destruction.

Singe meaning with examples

• The cook, distracted by the phone, let the edges of the toast singe, turning them a darker brown. Fortunately, the rest of the bread was still edible.
• She was ironing a delicate silk dress when the iron got too hot and began to singe a small section of the fabric. She quickly turned the iron off.
• He leaned a little too close to the campfire, and the fringe of his scarf began to singe, filling the air with a subtle smoky smell.
• The sun's intense rays began to singe the leaves on the plants near the window, which were starting to look quite sad.
• The magician's trick appeared to singe his fingers with a flash of light, but it was only a clever illusion using a special effect.