Cook with high heat (4)
I believe the answer is:
sear
'cook with high heat' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for sear that I've seen before include "Scorch or burn the surface of" , "Make very hot and dry" , "Cauterize" , "Withered" , "Cook (quickly at great heat)" .)