scratch

(noun) an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off. Synonyms: abrasion, scrape, excoriation.

(noun) a depression scratched or carved into a surface. Synonyms: incision, prick, slit, dent.

(noun) informal terms for money. Synonyms: boodle, bread, cabbage, clams, dinero, dough, gelt, kale, lettuce, lolly, lucre, loot, moolah, pelf, shekels, simoleons, sugar, wampum.

(noun) a competitor who has withdrawn from competition.

(noun) a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game. Synonyms: start, starting line, scratch line.

(noun) dry mash for poultry. Synonyms: chicken feed.

(noun) a harsh noise made by scraping. Synonyms: scrape, scraping, scratching. Examples: "The scrape of violin bows distracted her."

(noun) poor handwriting. Synonyms: scribble, scrawl, cacography.

(noun) (golf) a handicap of zero strokes. Examples: "A golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course."

(noun) an indication of damage. Synonyms: scrape, scar, mark.

(verb) cause friction. Synonyms: rub, fray, fret, chafe. Examples: "My sweater scratches."

(verb) cut the surface of; wear away the surface of. Synonyms: scrape, scratch up.

(verb) scrape or rub as if to relieve itching. Synonyms: rub, itch. Examples: "Don't scratch your insect bites!."

(verb) postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled. Synonyms: cancel, call off, scrub. Examples: "Call off the engagement." "Cancel the dinner party." "We had to scrub our vacation plans." "Scratch that meeting--the chair is ill."

(verb) remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line. Synonyms: strike, expunge, excise. Examples: "Please strike this remark from the record." "Scratch that remark."

(verb) gather (money or other resources) together over time. Synonyms: scrape, scrape up, come up. Examples: "She had scraped together enough money for college." "They scratched a meager living."

(verb) carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface. Synonyms: engrave, grave, inscribe. Examples: "Engrave a pen." "Engraved the trophy cupt with the winner's." "The lovers scratched their names into the bark of the tree."