What does scar mean?
A scar is the mark that remains after tissue has been damaged and has healed, often because the replacement tissue differs in texture, color, or shape from the surrounding skin. Scars can also describe lasting traces of violence, conflict, failure, or emotional trauma, as in 'the scars of war' or 'he was scarred by his childhood.' As a verb, scar means to leave such a mark or lasting effect. The word is used in both literal and figurative contexts, with the figurative sense emphasizing endurance rather than simply appearance. Scarring may be an unavoidable result of injury or surgery, but it can also carry social and emotional weight because a visible mark can affect how a person is perceived. In medicine, scar tissue is the connective tissue that forms during healing.
A mark left on the skin or other tissue after an injury, operation, or disease has healed.
"The doctor said the wound would leave a small scar."
The noun also commonly refers figuratively to a lasting effect of harm or trauma.
To become marked by a scar, or to cause a scar or lasting mark on someone or something.
"The flames scarred the old wooden beams."
The verb is often used figuratively for lasting emotional, psychological, or social damage.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The old building bears the scars of many storms."
A scar is a visible record of what the body has healed from—and, figuratively, of what an experience has left behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scar come from?
The word scar comes from Old English scarre, meaning a mark or scar, and is related to words in other Germanic languages that also refer to a mark or scar. The modern spelling reflects the development of the Old English form. The figurative sense, describing a lasting impression of harm, developed from the literal sense of a physical mark.
Related word forms
How scar is actually used
In figurative use, scar often suggests persistent emotional, psychological, or social damage. The verb can be transitive or intransitive, as in 'the fire scarred the hillside' and 'her skin scarred after the accident.'
Easily confused with scar
A scar is a mark that remains after injury or damage, whereas a scare is a sudden feeling of fear.