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.

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

scour the earth

To search everywhere thoroughly.

scour through

To conduct a detailed search through something.

scrub

To clean something vigorously.

buff

To polish or shine by rubbing.

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.