scratch

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   (golf) a handicap of zero strokes

   a golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course

2. 2
   verb

   cause friction

   my sweater scratches

3. 3
   verb

   scrape or rub as if to relieve itching

   Don't scratch your insect bites!

4. 4
   verb

   To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.

   Could you please scratch my back?

5. 5
   verb

   To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.

   I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.

6. 6
   verb

   To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).

   A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.

7. 7
   verb

   To get such scratches.

   This platter scratches easily.

8. 8
   verb

   To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.

   Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.

Etymology

From Middle English scracchen, of uncertain origin. Probably a blend of Middle English scratten (“to scratch”) and cracchen (“to scratch”). More at scrat and cratch.