scratch

Forms

1.To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
- Could you please scratch my back?
2.To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
- I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
3.To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
- A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
4.To get such scratches.

1.A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
- Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
- These nails with scratches deform my breast.
- I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
2.An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
- The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
3.A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
- He started a few seconds before the time and came up in speed to the scratch at the moment appointed.
4.A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.

Rare· #4854

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.