burn*/*/*/

[bɜːn] (past tense and past participle burned burnt [bɜːnt] ) verb I

1) [T] to damage or destroy something with fire

Demonstrators burned flags outside the embassy.[/ex]

The old part of the city was burned to the ground (= completely destroyed by fire).[/ex]

2) if something is burning, it is being damaged or destroyed by fire

Homes were burning all over the village.[/ex]

3) [I] if a fire or flame burns, it produces light and heat

4) [I/T] if food burns, or if you burn it, it gets spoiled by being cooked for too long or at too high a temperature

Have you burnt the toast?[/ex]

5) [T] to injure someone or a part of your body with something hot

The sand was so hot it burnt my feet.[/ex]

6) [I/T] if a chemical burns something, it causes damage or pain

The acid had burnt a hole in my shirt.[/ex]

7) [I] to feel a very strong emotion or a great need for someone or something

I was burning with curiosity.[/ex]

8) [I] if your cheeks are burning, they are red because you are embarrassed

9) [T] to put information onto a CD-ROM

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burn your boats/bridges — to do something that makes it impossible for you to return to the situation you were in before[/ex]

[i]She had burned her boats in Hollywood, and returned to London.[/ex]

- burn (sth) down

- burn sth off

- burn sth up

II

noun [C]

burn [bɜːn]

an injury or mark caused by heat or fire