torch

/tɔːtʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /tɔːrtʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtȯrch/ (ame, mw)

torch — noun

1. a small battery-powered device you hold in one hand to light up dark places

1.名詞A2
釋義

a small battery-powered device you hold in one hand to light up dark places

例句

Diego took his torch from the drawer when the lights went out.

torch + verb of reaching (take from, reach for)

Lauren shone her torch along the dark path to find her keys.

同義詞
  • flashlight

    the American English equivalent; same device, different regional term

  • lantern

    larger, often hangs or sits on a surface rather than being held and pointed

  • lamp

    general term for any light-producing device, not specifically handheld

用法筆記

In British English, 'torch' is the usual word for a battery-powered handheld light. In American English, the equivalent word is 'flashlight', and 'torch' there usually means a flaming stick (sense 2).

常見錯誤

❌I need to charge my torch.
✅I need to put new batteries in my torch.
💡A torch usually runs on disposable batteries; 'charge' is for rechargeable devices like mobile phones.
❌Pass me the torch' (in a US classroom, meaning a flashlight).
✅Pass me the flashlight.
💡In American English, 'torch' means a flaming stick, not a battery-powered light.

2. a stick whose top end is wrapped in flammable material and set alight, used to i

2.名詞B1
釋義

a stick whose top end is wrapped in flammable material and set alight, used to illuminate an area during ceremonies or dark conditions

例句

Hassan carried a burning torch into the cave to light the way for his group.

carry a burning torch (physical action)

At the opening ceremony, the runner passed the torch to the final bearer.

pass the torch (ceremonial context)

同義詞
  • flambeau

    formal or historical term for a flaming torch, especially a decorative one

  • brand

    archaic term for a burning piece of wood used as a torch

用法筆記

This is the original historical meaning of the word. Most commonly seen today in ceremonial contexts such as the Olympic torch relay or historical re-enactments.

常見錯誤

❌The Olympic torch runs on batteries.
✅The Olympic torch uses a gas flame.
💡The Olympic torch is a real flame, not an electric device.

3. a hand-operated instrument that releases a jet of intensely hot fire, used for j

3.名詞B2
釋義

a hand-operated instrument that releases a jet of intensely hot fire, used for jobs such as melting metal, stripping away paint, or searing food

例句

The pastry chef used a small torch to brown the sugar.

culinary torch (kitchen tool for browning)

Christopher heated the metal pipe with a torch until it was soft enough to bend.

heat metal with a torch (industrial use)

同義詞
  • blowtorch

    more common everyday term for this tool, especially in American English

  • blow lamp

    British term for a similar tool, often used in plumbing

用法筆記

Often called a 'blowtorch' or 'blow lamp' in everyday speech. In professional kitchens, a small culinary torch is common for browning sugar, melting cheese, or searing meat.

4. an idea, tradition, or belief that is passed from one generation to the next and

4.名詞C1
釋義

an idea, tradition, or belief that is passed from one generation to the next and serves as a source of inspiration or guidance

例句

The activist passed the torch of freedom to a younger generation of leaders.

pass the torch (figurative idiom for transferring responsibility)

Élise saw the community library as a torch of knowledge lighting the way for everyone.

同義詞
  • legacy

    something handed down from the past, but without the active 'light-giving' metaphor

  • beacon

    something that guides or inspires, often used with 'hope' or 'light' imagery

用法筆記

Almost always used in the fixed expressions 'pass the torch' (transfer responsibility to someone younger) or 'carry the torch' (continue a mission or tradition). The 'torch' in this sense is always metaphorical, not a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌He passed the torch to his son' (meaning he handed over a real flaming stick).
✅He passed the torch to his son' (context makes clear whether literal or figurative
💡if figurative, it means he handed over responsibility). — The phrase 'pass the torch' can be literal (sense 2, ceremony) or figurative (sense 4, responsibility); make sure the context is clear.

torch — verb