1. set fire to something deliberately; burned something down
Usage: past tense of torch
2. destroyed or ruined something completely
Usage: informal; figurative use

Examples

• The arsonist torched the abandoned warehouse.
• Protesters torched several cars during the riot.
• The wildfire torched hundreds of acres of forest.
• His careless comment torched his chances of getting the job.
• The scandal torched the politician’s reputation.
• Lightning torched the old oak tree in our yard.