To warm or dry something over heat (for example, warming hands by a fire or drying damp items).
寒い夜、手を火のそばであぶって暖まった。
On a cold night I warmed my hands over the fire.
雨で濡れた靴下をあぶってから履いた。
I dried my wet socks by the fire before putting them on.
新聞紙で包んであぶると、焦げ目が付きやすい。
If you wrap it in newspaper and warm it, it tends to get scorched easily.
To lightly toast, grill, or sear something over direct heat (a cooking method to add a charred or smoky flavor).
魚を網でさっとあぶって皮を香ばしくした。
I quickly seared the fish on a grate to make the skin savory.
寿司屋でそのネタは炙りで出されることが多い。
At sushi restaurants that topping is often served seared.
炙りサーモンは表面を軽くあぶることで脂の風味が引き立つ。
Seared salmon's surface is lightly torched to bring out the fat's flavor.