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Definition of sear : 1. Alt. of Sere
2. The catch in a gunlock by which the hammer is held cocked or half cocked.
3. To burn ( the surface of) to dryness and hardness; to cauterize; to expose to a degree of heat such as changes the color or the hardness and texture of the surface; to scorch; to make callous; as, to sear the skin or flesh. Also used figuratively.
4. To wither; to dry up.

Synonyms:

wizen, withered, dry up, harden, shrivel, swinge, melanize, shriveled, hot, black, mummify, dried-up, shrivelled, wizened, coal, brown, nigrify, tan, sere, shrunken, dry, wither, melanise, blacken, cauterize

fire, scorch, poach, grill, bake, roast, parboil, fry, burn, broil, swelter, singe, scald, warm, boil, char, heat, cook, simmer, toast, stew, braise, barbecue, parch

Usage examples:

• She held both my shoulders, her great beautiful eyes seeming to search my soul, which the tears that trembled on her lashes appeared to sear as if they had been drops of molten lead. - "A Top-Floor Idyl", George van Schaick.
• Injustices like this sear the heart, and make one old before one's time. - "The Heart of Una Sackville", Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey.
• It would sear your heart and spirit, it would spoil all that makes you what you are. - "The Judgment House", Gilbert Parker.