scorched earth noun 2scorched-earth adjective 1 noun2 •The strategy of destroying all resources in an area of land in order to deny their use to an advancing enemy. •Land that has been abandoned, in the face of an advancing enemy, after the destruction of all resources on it. scorched-earth adjective1 •Characterized by a desire to prevail at any cost.The scorched-earth ad campaign directed at her opponent didn't win her many votes.
