Scour

/skaʊər/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To thoroughly search an area for something.
The detective scoured the neighborhood for any clues about the missing person.
To clean or brighten a surface by scrubbing it.
I need to scour the pots and pans after cooking to remove the burnt residue.
To examine or search carefully and thoroughly.
He scoured through the documents looking for the missing contract.

Etymology

Middle English *scouren*, from Old French *escurer*, from Latin *excurare* meaning 'to clear out'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

scour the earth
To search everywhere thoroughly.
scour through
To conduct a detailed search through something.

Related Words

scrub
To clean something vigorously.
buff
To polish or shine by rubbing.

Slang Meanings

To hunt for something or to look intensely.
I had to scour the internet for the best deals.
To get rid of anything unwanted or unnecessary.
I need to scour my closet and donate old clothes.