Burn Somewhat is a term used to describe the process of applying heat to an object in order to alter its physical properties. Charring, searing, and scorching are all methods of burning somewhat. Charring is the process of burning something until it is blackened and brittle. Searing is the process of quickly heating an object until it is browned on the outside. Scorching is the process of applying intense heat to an object until it is partially burned.