What does it mean to deglaze a pan?

Deglazing a pan refers to the process of adding liquid to a hot pan that has been used for cooking, which allows you to loosen and dissolve the browned bits of food that are stuck to the bottom. These browned bits, known as "fond," are flavorful and can be incorporated into sauces and gravies, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. By adding liquid, typically stock, wine, or broth, and scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula or wooden spoon, you can lift these flavors and create a rich sauce.

The other options describe different culinary techniques but do not reflect the process of deglazing. Marinating involves soaking meat in seasoned liquid for flavor, searing refers to cooking meat at high heat to develop texture on the outside, and layering flavors is about using various ingredients to create a complex taste profile. None of these directly addresses the act of loosening and utilizing the fond from the bottom of a pan, which is the key aspect of deglazing.