scratch

verb (CUT)

/skrætʃ/

Definition

B2 [I or T] to cut or damage a surface or your skin slightly with or on something sharp or rough: We scratched the paintwork trying to get the bed into Martha's room. Be careful not to scratch yourself on the roses. A few chickens were scratching about/around (= searching with their beaks) in the yard for grain.Cutting and stabbing B2 [T] If you scratch something on or off a surface, you add it or remove it by scratching: People have been scratching their names on this rock for years. I'm afraid I scratched some paint off the door as I was getting out of the car.Cutting and stabbing B2 [I] If an animal scratches, it rubs something with its claws (= sharp nails): The dog's scratching at the door - he wants to be let in.Animal (non-human) behaviourScratching and rubbing B2 [I or T] to rub your skin with your nails: He was scratching (at) his mosquito bites. Hannah scratched her head thoughtfully.Scratching and rubbing

(Definition of scratch verb (CUT) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)