itch

IPA/ɪtʃ/
KK[ˈɪtʃ]IPA/ɪtʃ/

itch — verb

  • itchpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • itcheshe / she / it
  • itchedpast simple
  • itching-ing form

1. To feel a prickly, annoying sensation on a patch of your skin — the sort that le

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveA2
Definition

To feel a prickly, annoying sensation on a patch of your skin — the sort that leads you to scratch or rub that spot. Clothing, fabrics, plants, or insect bites can also cause this sensation.

Example

Femi's arm itched where the mosquito bit him, and he tried not to scratch it.

intransitive: body part + itches

This wool sweater itches my neck whenever I wear it.

transitive: [item] + itches + [body part]

Common collocations
  • itch badly
  • itch like crazy
  • make [body part] itch
  • began to itch
  • started itching
Synonyms
  • tingle

    a lighter, more prickly sensation that does not necessarily make you want to scratch

Grammar Patterns

[body part] + itches

[item] + itches + [body part]

make + [body part] + itch

Usage Note

As a transitive verb ('This sweater itches me'), the subject is typically an item of clothing, a fabric, or a plant. The intransitive form is more common in everyday speech: 'My arm itches.'

Common Mistakes

I itch my arm.
My arm itches.' or 'I scratch my arm.
'itch' is the uncomfortable feeling; 'scratch' is the action that relieves it.

2. To feel a strong, restless wish to do something, usually because you are excited

2.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

To feel a strong, restless wish to do something, usually because you are excited, impatient, or full of energy.

Example

Amelia was itching to tell everyone about her promotion.

itching + to-infinitive: strong desire

The team was itching for a chance to prove themselves when the match arrived.

itching + for + noun

Common collocations
  • itch for a fight
  • itch to get started
  • itching with curiosity
  • itching to leave
Synonyms
  • long

    more emotional and less physical; 'long for' suggests a deeper, sadder wish

  • yearn

    formal and literary; suggests a wish that is difficult to fulfil

  • crave

    strongly desire something specific, often food or an experience

Antonyms
  • dread

    to be afraid of something happening, the opposite of wanting it eagerly

Grammar Patterns

itch + to-infinitive

itch + for + noun

Usage Note

Almost always used in the continuous form ('itching') or past progressive ('was itching'). The simple present ('I itch to go') is extremely rare.

Common Mistakes

I am itching to goes to the party.
I am itching to go to the party.
after 'itching to', use the base form of the verb.

itch — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe physical skin sensations, but they differ in quality and cause. An itch is a prickly, annoying feeling that makes you want to scratch; it commonly comes from insect bites, dry skin, or allergies. A tickle is a light, brushing sensation that makes you want to laugh or pull away. A sting is a sharp, sudden pain, usually from an insect or a plant — 'Ow! That bee stung me!' A burn is a hot, painful sensation from heat, fire, or chemicals. Each of these words can also be used figuratively: people itch for a fight, feel stung by criticism, or burn with anger. Tickles are the least common in figurative use, though a funny joke might 'tickle your sense of humour.'

tickle ↗sting ↗burn ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • scratch an itch

Etymology

West GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

'Itch' comes from the Old English word 'giccan' (to itch), which belongs to a family of West Germanic words for the same sensation. By the 13th century, English speakers were already using the word both for the physical skin feeling and, by metaphor, for a restless desire — the idea being that a strong want feels like an irritation that needs to be scratched.