sear / si(ə)r/ • v. [tr.] burn or scorch the surface of (something) with a sudden, intense heat: the water got so hot that it seared our lips | fig. a sharp pang of disappointment seared her. ∎  [intr.] (of pain) be experienced as a sudden, burning sensation: a crushing pain seared through his chest. ∎  brown (food) quickly at a high temperature so that it will retain its juices in subsequent cooking: [as adj.] (seared) seared chicken livers. ∎ archaic cause to wither. ∎ archaic make (someone's conscience, heart, or feelings) insensitive.• adj. poetic/lit. variant spelling of sere.

sear1 become withered OE.; cause to wither XV; burn, char XVI. OE. sēarian = OHG. sōrēn :- Gmc. *saurōjan, f. *sauraz SERE.

sear2 portion of a gun-lock that engages with the notches of the tumbler. XVI. prob. — OF. serre grasp. lock, bolt, (now) foot of a bird of prey. f. serrer grasp, hold fast :- Rom. *serrāre, for late L. serāre bar, bolt, f. sera bar for a door.

sear To brown meat quickly in a little fat before grilling or roasting. The term is sometimes used when vegetables are browned in fat before being used to make soup or sauce.