scratch // scratches, scratching, scratched
 
1 If a sharp object scratches you, it rubs against your skin, cutting you slightly.  VB WITH OBJ
I got scratched by a rose bush.
His knees were scratched by thorns.
 
2 If you scratch an object, you accidentally make small cuts on it.                      VB WITH OBJ
 
3 Scratches on someone or something are small cuts or marks.                            COUNT N
You're not going to die. It's only a scratch.
White shoe polish can hide scratches on white woodwork. 
 
4 If you scratch a part of your body or scratch yourself,           VB WITH OR WITHOUT OBJ,
you rub your fingernails against your skin because it is itching.                                REFL VB
The cook began scratching the rash on his neck.
We are scratching because we itch.
Jackson was sleepily scratching himself. 
 
· is scratching their head                                                                             PHRASE(S)
from scratch
not up to scratch