scorched-earth

adjective

ˈskȯrcht-ˈərth 

1

: relating to or being a military policy involving deliberate and usually widespread destruction of property and resources (such as housing and factories) so that an invading enemy cannot use them

2

: directed toward victory or supremacy at all costs : ruthless

scorched-earth rhetoric

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scorched earth

noun

: land stripped of anything that could be of use to an invading enemy force