scotch

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A block for a wheel or other round object; a chock, wedge, prop, or other support, to prevent slipping.

   A scotch for a wheel or a log on inclined ground.

2. 2
   verb

   To cut or score; to wound superficially.

   We have scotched the snake, not killed it.

3. 3
   verb

   To prevent (something) from being successful.

   The rain scotched his plans of going to the beach.

4. 4
   verb

   To debunk or discredit an idea or rumor.

   The prime minister scotched rumors of his resignation.

From Middle English scocchen (“to cut”), perhaps from Anglo-Norman escocher (“to notch”), from es- (“intensive prefix”) (from Latin ex-) + Old French coche (“notch”). Not related to Scotch.

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