Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense etches, present participle etching, past tense, past participle etched
1. verb
If a line or pattern is etchedinto a surface, it is cut into the surface by means of acid or a sharp tool. You can also say that a surface is etchedwith a line or pattern.
Crosses were etched into the walls. [beV-ed + into/in/on]
The acid etched holes in the crystal surface. [V n + into/in/on]
Windows are etched with the vehicle identification number. [beVERB-ed + with]
The stained-glass panels are etched and then handpainted using traditional methods. [beVERB-ed]
Synonyms: corrode, eat into, burn into More Synonyms of etch
2. verb [usually passive]
If you say that feelings are etchedon someone's face, you mean that the person is very strongly affected by them, and you can see this in their appearance.
[literary]
His grief was etched into every line of his face. [beV-ed into/on n]
Every line etched on her face told a story of personal anguish. [VERB-ed]
3. passive verb
If something is etchedon your memory, you remember it very clearly, usually because it has some special importance for you.
[literary]
The ugly scene in the study was still etched in her mind. [beV-ed into/in/on n]
This stark image will remain etched in the memory of a whole generation. [beV-ed into/in/on n]
More Synonyms of etch
etch in British English
(ɛtʃ)
verb
1. (transitive)
to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc) by chemical action, esp the action of an acid
2.
to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating
3. (transitive)
to cut with or as if with a sharp implement
he etched his name on the table
4. (tr; usually passive)
to imprint vividly
the event was etched on her memory
Derived forms
etcher (ˈetcher)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Dutch etsen, from Old High German azzen to feed, bite
etch in American English
(ɛtʃ)
verb transitive
1.
to make (a drawing, design, etc.) on metal, glass, etc. by the action of an acid, esp. by coating thesurface with wax and letting acid eat into the lines or areas laid bare with a special needle
2.
to prepare (a metal plate, glass, etc.) in this way, for use in printing such drawings or designs
3.
to depict or impress sharply and distinctly
verb intransitive
4.
to make etchings
Derived forms
etcher (ˈetcher)
noun
Word origin
Du etsen < Ger ätzen, to corrode < MHG etzen, to cause to eat, caus. of ezzen (Ger essen), eat
Examples of 'etch' in a sentence
etch
His face is etched with happiness and pain as he leans back in his chair.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But one image etched itself into my imagination.
Christianity Today (2000)
What happened is well etched in my mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Yet only agony was etched on his face afterwards.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
These days are etched in my memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The vignette remains etched into my mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The once seemingly ageless actor now has lines of stress and worry deeply etched into his face.
The Sun (2014)
The smell is still etched in my memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The last one is etched on his mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The premiere of the play is no less etched in her memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
That smile is etched on my mind to this day.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Are lines etched into his features?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The raw grief is etched into their pale, distraught faces.
The Sun (2009)
The design is etched onto copper rollers, one being used for each colour.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
It's an image etched in my mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Now in December the twigs are etched in melancholy lines against the sky.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The details of that round of 78 remain etched in the memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
HER eyes are filled with sorrow and her faced deeply etched in grief.
The Sun (2014)
It was in the back of one of these stores that the couple found a pair of French doors with beautifully etched glass.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The images, etched on copper, are inspired by dialogue with each individual.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Some investors still have stereotypical images of Africa etched in their minds, while others see untapped business opportunities and are moving in fast.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The memory of being stopped and searched when I was 17 is still etched in my mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
etch
British English: etch VERB
If a line or pattern is etched into a surface, it is cut into the surface by means of acid or a sharp tool.
Crosses were etched into the walls.
American English: etch
Brazilian Portuguese: gravar com água-forte
Chinese: 蚀刻
European Spanish: grabar al aguafuerte
French: graver
German: radieren
Italian: incidere
Japanese: エッチングで>つくる絵や模様を
Korean: 에칭 기법으로 새겨지다
European Portuguese: gravar com água-forte
Latin American Spanish: grabar al aguafuerte
1 (verb)
Definition
to imprint vividly
a simple band of heavy gold etched with runes
Synonyms
engrave
Her name was engraved on the goblet.
cut
Geometric motifs are cut into the stone walls.
impress
stamp
‘Eat before July 14’ was stamped on the label.
carve
He carved his name on his desk.
imprint
a racket with the club's badge imprinted on the strings
inscribe
They read the words inscribed on the walls of the monument.
furrow
incise
After polishing, a design is incised or painted.
ingrain
2 (verb)
Definition
to wear away the surface of a metal, glass, etc. by the action of an acid