Cook over high heat (4)
I believe the answer is:
sear
'cook over high heat' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for sear that I've seen before include "Cook (quickly at great heat)" , "Cauterize" , "Withered" , "Burn, scorch intensely" , "Scorch, brand" .)