# scratch

> English word · Verb · IPA /skɹæt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #5,547

## Definitions
1. To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
2. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
3. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
4. To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
5. To get such scratches.
6. To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
7. To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
8. To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
9. To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
10. To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
11. To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.
12. To dig or excavate with the claws.
13. To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
14. To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that one was previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.

## 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.

## Easily confused with
- **snatch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-snatch)
- **swatch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-swatch)
- **stretch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-stretch)
- **screech** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-screech)
- **scratchy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-scratchy)
- **scratched** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-scratched)
- **scratches** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-scratches)
- **scotch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scotch-vs-scratch)

## Common misspellings (12)
`csratch`, `scartch`, `sccratch`, `scracth`, `scratcch`, `scratchh`, `scrathc`, `scrattch`, `scrratch`, `scrtach`, `srcatch`, `sscratch`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/scratch