torch

8 definitions • 8 examples

a small light that is held in the hand and usually gets its power from batteries:

She flashed/shone the torch into the dark room.

a thick stick with material that burns tied to the top of it, used to give light:

a flaming/blazing torch

literary Many buildings were put to the torch (= burned intentionally) during the riots.

used as a symbol of a political movement or idea that has an important positive influence:

She promised that the party would carry the torch of progressivism into the next decade.

to burn a building or other large thing, intentionally and usually illegally:

They smashed a side door to get in and then torched the warehouse when they had taken what they wanted.

a stick that burns at one end and is held at the other end and is used esp. as a light:

Which athlete will carry the Olympic torch into the stadium?

fig. The torch is the basic responsibilities and characteristics of a group, organization, or society, esp. when someone new takes control:

After he retired, the torch passed to his daughter, who now runs the organization.

A torch is also a blowtorch.

to burn something intentionally and usually illegally:

They torched the warehouse and ran.