Burned or scorched the surface of something with intense heat, or deeply affected emotionally (like being seared by a painful memory).
From Old English 'searian' meaning 'to dry up.' Germanic root related to 'sear' meaning withered or dry. The emotional meaning arose metaphorically from the intense burning sensation.
Chefs use searing not just for flavor—it's chemistry! High heat causes amino acids and sugars to react (called the Maillard reaction), creating hundreds of complex new flavors that don't exist on uncooked meat.
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