itch

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite

   characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation

2. 2
   verb

   have a strong desire or urge to do something

   They are itching to start the project.

3. 3
   verb

   have or perceive an itch

   I'm itching--the air is so dry!

4. 4
   verb

   cause to perceive an itch

   Their skin itched.

5. 5
   noun

   A constant teasing desire or want.

   ... it left, however, a bee at his ear and an itch to transfer the buzzer's attentions and tease his darling; for she had betrayed herself as right good game.

6. 6
   verb

   To have a constant, teasing urge; to feel strongly motivated; to want or desire something.

   He started learning to drive and he has been itching for opportunities to practice ever since.

7. 7
   verb

   To cause to feel an itch.

   My head is suddenly itching me like mad.

8. 8
   verb

   To scratch or rub so as to relieve an itch.

   "What makes you suspect him?" Max asked as he itched his neck.

Etymology

From Middle English icchen, ȝicchen, from Old English ġiċċan, ġyċċan (“to itch”), from Proto-West Germanic *jukkjan (“to itch”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots yeuk (“to itch”), West Frisian jûkje (“to itch”), Dutch jeuken (“to itch”), Low German jocken (“to itch”), German jucken (“to itch”).