scorched-earth
adjective
1
: relating to or being a military policy involving deliberate and usually widespread destruction of property and resources (such as housing and factories) so that an invading enemy cannot use them
2
: directed toward victory or supremacy at all costs : ruthless
scorched-earth rhetoric
Cite this Entry
“Scorched-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scorched-earth. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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