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scratching
transitive verb1: to scrape or dig with the claws or nails2: to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged3 a: to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching) b: to act on (a desire) —used with itch<scratch the itch to travel>4: to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort <scratch out a living>5: to write or draw on a surface6 a: to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through b: to withdraw (an entry) from competition7: scribble
, scrawl8: to scrape along a rough surface <scratch a match>intransitive verb1: to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding2: to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching)3: to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice <had to scratch and save for college>4 a: to make a thin grating sound b: to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle5: to withdraw from a contest or engagement6: to make a scratch in billiards or pool
— scratch·er noun
— scratch one's back
: to accommodate with a favor especially in expectation of like return
— scratch one's head
: to be or become confused or perplexed
— scratch the surface
: to make a modest effort or start
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