Okuzeka
History vocabulary · Wars, Treaties and Diplomacy

Scorched earth

Meaning in history, with examples

nounCommon term

In history, scorched earth means: The deliberate destruction of supplies and infrastructure to deny their use to an opposing force.

In Turkish: yakıp yıkma taktiği

How it is used

Usually modifies policy or tactics; historical analysis should include effects on civilians.

Example sentences

  1. The retreating army adopted a scorched earth policy along the supply route.

    Destruction aims to deprive the advancing force of resources.

  2. Village petitions describe losses caused by scorched earth tactics.

    Civilian sources reveal costs beyond the military objective.

Common collocations

  • scorched earth policy
  • scorched earth tactics
  • campaignA series of military operations carried out over a period of time in one area or with one main aim, such as capturing a city or defeating an enemy army.
  • primary sourceEvidence created at the time being studied or by people who witnessed it, such as letters, diaries, official records, photographs or objects.

More terms: Wars, Treaties and Diplomacy

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: