torch
A small light that you hold in your hand and turn on to see in the dark. In American English this is called a flashlight.
A small, hand-held electric light powered by batteries, used especially in the dark or during power cuts. (British English; American English: flashlight)
A long stick with fire at one end, which a person carries to give light.
A long stick with material at one end that is set on fire and carried to provide light, often used in ceremonies, protests, or in historical and fantasy settings.
A tool you hold in your hand that makes a very hot flame, used to cut or join metal or to heat things.
A handheld device that produces a narrow, high-temperature flame, used for welding, cutting, soldering, or heating materials such as metal or pipes.
To start a fire on purpose and burn a building, car, or other object.
To deliberately set fire to something, such as a building, vehicle, or business, usually in order to destroy it.
To say very strong, negative things about something, for example a film, book, or idea, usually in public.
To criticize something or someone very harshly, especially in public or in reviews, often suggesting complete rejection or disapproval.
- Base: torch
- Plural: torches
carry a torch for [someone]
1to love someone who does not love you
To continue to have strong romantic feelings for someone who does not feel the same way, often for a long time.
- He still carries a torch for his first girlfriend even after ten years.
- Everyone knew she carried a torch for her married boss.
- I don't think he's over her; he's clearly carrying a torch for her.
Olympic torch
1ceremonial flame of the Olympics
The special flame and the object that holds it, carried by runners in a relay before the Olympic Games open.
- Thousands of people lined the streets to see the Olympic torch pass through their city.
- She was chosen to carry the Olympic torch for part of the relay.
- The ceremony ended when the athlete used the Olympic torch to light the main cauldron.
pass the torch
1to hand leadership to someone new
To give your job, role, or responsibility to another person, usually a younger or newer person, so they can continue the work.
- After thirty years as editor, she decided it was time to pass the torch.
- The founder is passing the torch to the next generation of leaders.
- He officially passed the torch to his assistant at the end of the ceremony.
torch song
1sad love song about unreturned love
A slow, emotional song about love, usually about losing someone or loving someone who does not love you back.
- She made her name singing smoky jazz torch songs in small clubs.
- The album ends with a beautiful torch song about heartbreak.
- They danced slowly to an old torch song playing on the radio.