Definitions

1. noun

a small mark or cut on the surface of something, especially a skin lesion, or a mark left by a cat’s claw.

“There was a scratch on the side of my car from the accident.”

2. verb

to make a sudden sharp cutting or rasping sound, or to remove or damage the surface of something with a rough or sharp object.

“I scratched the itch on my arm and then scratched the side of the box with a knife.”

3. verb

to pull or tear something roughly, especially with the nails, or to remove the surface of something in this way.

“She scratched the old paint off the wall to prepare it for painting.”

4. verb

to remove the surface or outer layer of something, especially by scraping or rubbing.

“The cat scratched the dirt out of the bowl and onto the floor.”