—torch /tɔːtʃ/ aep /tɔːrtʃ/
noun
B2 [C] UK (US flashlight) a small light that is held in the hand and usually gets its power from batteries:
» She flashed/shone the torch into the dark room.Thesaurus+: ↑Lighting and light fittings in the homeF0 [C] a thick stick with material that burns tied to the top of it, used to give light:
» a flaming/blazing torch» LITERARY Many buildings were put to the torch (= burned intentionally) during the riots.Thesaurus+: ↑Tools , ↑Gardening toolsF0 [S] APPROVING used as a symbol of a political movement or idea that has an important positive influence:
» the torch of socialismThesaurus+: ↑Signs, signals and symbols , ↑Specific signs and symbols• • •
Extra Examples:» The torch sends out a powerful beam of light.» The policeman walked along the street, shining a torch into every car.» The lighting of the Olympic torch symbolizes peace and friendship among the nations of the world.» She flashed the torch into the dark room.verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for torch
► F0 to burn a building or other large thing, intentionally and usually illegally: » They smashed a side door to get in and then torched the warehouse when they had taken what they wanted.Thesaurus+: ↑Starting fires