scotched
Put a stop
Scotched means decisively put an end to or thwarted.
If a rumor gets scotched, it's been firmly refuted; if a plan is scotched, it's been blocked or ruined.
The CEO scotched speculation about a merger.
This sense derives from an older meaning of scotch—to wound without killing, to render harmless—which itself comes from cutting a shallow notch or score into something.
The word has no connection to Scotland or Scotch whisky.
Annulled or suppressed
- foiledPrevented from succeeding
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
- stoppedBrought to a halt
- crushedCompressed into fragments
suppressed · derailed · sabotaged · frustrated · prevented · obstructed · impeded · stymied
Having V-shaped cuts
- incisedCut into surface
- groovedHaving linear indentations
- markedBearing an indicator
- scratchedMade shallow marks
etched · cut · slashed · gashed · scored · sliced · nicked · furrowed
Exposed as fraudulent
- refutedProved an argument false
- dispelledDrove off completely
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
- invalidatedMade no longer binding
contradicted · exposed · demolished · busted · quelled · silenced · countered · rebutted
quashed
Annulled or suppressed
crushed · suppressed · derailed · sabotaged · frustrated · prevented · obstructed · impeded · stymied · defeated
notched
Having V-shaped cuts
scratched · etched · cut · slashed · gashed · scored · sliced · nicked · furrowed · indented
debunked
Exposed as fraudulent
- refutedProved an argument false
- dispelledDrove off completely
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
invalidated · contradicted · exposed · demolished · busted · quelled · silenced · countered · rebutted · negated
neat
Orderly, or undiluted
- peatyContaining decomposed plant matter
- smokyFilled with combustion haze
- single-maltUnblended Scottish whisky
blended · highland · dram · rocks · whiskey · aged · cask · distilled
scotchedinitiated
Started or inducted
started · launched · enabled · facilitated · encouraged
scotchedconfirmed
Established as accurate
validated · verified · substantiated · corroborated · proved
- Scotch tapeTransparent adhesive strip brand
- scotch and sodaWhisky with fizzy water
- scotch eggsSausage-wrapped eggs, breaded, fried
- single malt scotchWhisky from one distillery
- Scotch whiskyScottish distilled grain spirit
- scotch bonnetLantern-shaped tropical chile