Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
scorched-earth
adjective
/ˈskɔːrʧt ˈɜrθ/
Definition
A military strategy that involves destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while advancing through or withdrawing from an area.
Examples
- During the war, the general implemented a scorched-earth policy to prevent the enemy from gaining any advantages.
- In order to hinder the opposing forces, troops had to adopt a scorched-earth approach, leaving nothing of value behind.
Meaning
The term refers to the deliberate destruction of resources, infrastructure, and anything else that could benefit the opposing side during a conflict.
Synonyms
- devastating
- destructive
- ruinous
- martial
- military unsparing
