Burn Definition & Meaning

burn
noun
  1. pain that feels hot as if it were on fire
  2. a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  3. an injury caused by exposure to heat or chemicals or radiation
  4. a place or area that has been burned (especially on a person's body)
  5. damage inflicted by fire
verb
  1. destroy by fire; "They burned the house and his diaries"
  2. shine intensely, as if with heat; "The coals were glowing in the dark"; "The candles were burning"
  3. undergo combustion; "Maple wood burns well"
  4. cause a sharp or stinging pain or discomfort; "The sun burned his face"
  5. cause to burn or combust; "The sun burned off the fog"; "We combust coal and other fossil fuels"
  6. feel strong emotion, especially anger or passion; "She was burning with anger"; "He was burning to try out his new skies"
  7. cause to undergo combustion; "burn garbage"; "The car burns only Diesel oil"
  8. burn at the stake; "Witches were burned in Salem"
  9. spend (significant amounts of money); "He has money to burn"
  10. feel hot or painful; "My eyes are burning"
  11. burn, sear, or freeze (tissue) using a hot iron or electric current or a caustic agent; "The surgeon cauterized the wart"
  12. get a sunburn by overexposure to the sun
  13. create by duplicating data; "cut a disk"; "burn a CD"
  14. use up (energy); "burn off calories through vigorous exercise"
  15. burn with heat, fire, or radiation; "The iron burnt a hole in my dress"

"Burn" in song lyrics

See how burn is used in real songs:

  • "Hit your hat from the backseat, letting a swisha burn"
    50/50 Twin f/ Archie Lee, Lester Roy — Hollyhood
  • "cuz if we don't learn then we gonna burn"
    69 Boyz — One God, One Judge
  • "What I earn will never burn"
    9th Prince f/ Dasha, Sav Killz — Assassins

Usage tips for "burn"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "burn" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for burn to find words that pair well.

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