to scotch
2
8.1
- verb
- /skɑtʃ/
- One of the unexpected effects, first of the arms-for-hostages deals with Iran, and then the diversion of some of the Iranian payments to the Nicaraguan contras, was to scotch the idea of a rapprochement with Iran.
- scotch a rumor
- scotch a plan
- scotch an idea
Examples
-
With his political ambitions scotched, Schumpeter now became president of a private bank in Vienna.
Academic text (1991) -
General John Allen, who was Gen. Petraeus's successor in Afghanistan and a top nominee for NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, has had his career path to the top NATO post scotched, which could also potentially lead to his resignation.
Blog text (32) -
I considered the idea that this was some kind of crank call, but the last offer seemed to scotch that notion.
Fiction book (1997) -
"And we've already scotched that idea because of the safety factor."
Fiction book (1991) -
As should be obvious to any unbiased observer, the pope is in Rome and I am in Ypres, which in itself should be enough to scotch any rumors about our alleged identity.
Fiction book (1997) -
And House Speaker John Boehner, who scotched a revenue-raising deal with the president last year, emerged from Friday's meeting on a very different note.
Blog text (21) -
Allen has insisted that there was no improper relationship between himself and Mrs. Kelley, but his career path to the top NATO post has been scotched, and the ongoing investigation could potentially lead to his resignation.
Blog text (32) -
The president had just informed Hillary Clinton to override Ambassador Stevens' foolish bravado and increase embassy security on her own authority when Mitt Romney scotched the deal by opening his big mouth.
Blog text (29) -
The proposal to extend the project was scotched after the committee raised serious concerns.
-
Their plans to host the event outdoors were scotched by the unexpected rain.
Synonyms
209
2.8
To make something less good or enjoyable
146
5.9
To stop someone's plans or make them fail
77
7.4
To stop someone from doing what they want
35
5.5
To stop a plan or action from working
19
3.6
Stop someone from doing something they planned to do
17
8.7
To stop someone from making progress toward a goal
14
8.1
Forcefully stop something like a protest or rumor
12
6.1
Stop a process or action from happening
3
6.1
To stop someone's plans or efforts from succeeding
2
8.9
To prevent a plan or action from succeeding
1
9.9
Stop someone's plans or efforts from succeeding
1
5.6
To stop someone on purpose from doing what they planned
Antonyms
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
3
3.6
A strong drink from Scotland made from malted barley and aged in wooden barrels
- US
1
6.4
A medium to large pine tree with two needles per cluster and reddish brown flaky bark
1
4.8
A hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage, coated with breadcrumbs, then fried or baked and eaten cold as a snack
- UK
1
9.0
A shrub with slender green branches and bright yellow flowers often grown in gardens
1
4.4
A strong drink made in Scotland from malted barley and aged in wooden casks
- Archaic
1
4.1
A small Scottish dog with long rough fur and ears and tail that stand up
- UK
1
7.6
A medium large pine tree from northern Europe and Asia with two needles on each leaf and red-brown flaky bark
A small tree with long hanging groups of yellow flowers often grown in gardens
A plant with bright yellow or orange flowers often grown in gardens and used in herbal teas
A small, thick pancake cooked on a griddle and often eaten for breakfast or tea
How Prevented
Surface Forms
Etymology
Scotch came to mean to 'cut off' an action, so you can think of stopping something by cutting its chance to continue. That's why to scotch a plan is to stop or prevent it from happening.