torch

1
[ tawrch ]
/ tɔrtʃ /

noun

verb (used without object)

to burn or flare up like a torch.

verb (used with object)

to subject to the flame or light of a torch, as in order to burn, sear, solder, or illuminate.
Slang. to set fire to maliciously, especially in order to collect insurance.

Idioms for torch

    carry the/a torch for, Slang. to be in love with, especially to suffer from unrequited love for: He still carries a torch for his ex-wife.

Origin of torch

1
1250–1300; Middle English torche (noun) < Old French < Vulgar Latin *torca something twisted. See torque

OTHER WORDS FROM torch

torch·a·ble, adjective torch·less, adjective torch·like, adjective

Words nearby torch

toran, torbanite, torbay, torbernite, torc, torch, torch lily, torch singer, torch song, torch syndrome, torchbearer

British Dictionary definitions for carry a torch for

torch
/ (tɔːtʃ) /

noun

verb

(tr) slang to set fire to, esp deliberately as an act of arson

Derived forms of torch

torchlike, adjective

Word Origin for torch

C13: from Old French torche handful of twisted straw, from Vulgar Latin torca (unattested), from Latin torquēre to twist

Cultural definitions for carry a torch for

carry a torch for

To be infatuated with: “Frank may be engaged to Helen, but I think he still carries a torch for Laura.”

Idioms and Phrases with carry a torch for (1 of 2)

carry a torch for

Also, carry the torch for. Continue to feel the pain of unreciprocated love for, as in Jane has been carrying the torch for Bill for at least a year. The torch in this term alludes to the heat of love or passion. [1920s]

Idioms and Phrases with carry a torch for (2 of 2)

torch

see carry a torch; pass the torch.