itch

[ ich ]

verb (used without object)

1. to have or feel a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the part affected:

   My nose itches.

2. to cause such a feeling:

   This shirt itches.

3. Informal. to scratch a part that itches.
4. to have a desire to do or get something:

   to itch after fame.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to have an itch:

   His wool shirt always itches him.

2. Informal. to scratch (a part that itches):

   to itch a mosquito bite.

3. to annoy; vex; irritate:

   Her remarks itched me.

noun

1. the sensation of itching.
2. an uneasy or restless desire or longing:

   an itch for excitement.

3. Usually the itch. a contagious disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows into the skin. Compare mange, scabies.

itch

/ ɪtʃ /

noun

1. an irritation or tickling sensation of the skin causing a desire to scratch
2. a restless desire
3. any skin disorder, such as scabies, characterized by intense itching

verb

1. intr to feel or produce an irritating or tickling sensation
2. intr to have a restless desire (to do something)
3. not_standard.
   to scratch (the skin)
4. itching palm
   a grasping nature; avarice
5. have itchy feet
   to be restless; have a desire to travel

Derived Forms

• ˈitchy, adjective
• ˈitchiness, noun

Other Words From

• an·ti-itch adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of itch¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb (y)icchen, Old English gicc(e)an; akin to German jucken, Dutch jeuken; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of itch¹

Old English gīccean to itch, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

In the article, campaign sources explain that Trump's newfound discipline unraveled as he succumbed to agitation over his campaign's cautious approach, advice from impatient allies like Corey Lewandowski and the aggravating itch of his natural impulses.

From Salon

Another describes her with an expletive that rhymes with “itch.”

From Salon

More than two decades later, Survivor may have lost some of its luster, but the itch to try a survival experience remains.

From Slate

He was a rapper who performed under the names Madix or Mad Itch and was part of the 67 gang, a UK drill group and infamous gang.

From BBC

He was going to keep satisfying that itch of having to do that stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ache
• crave
• hanker
• thirst
• yearn