First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1touch
verb \ˈtəch\
: to put your hand, fingers, etc., on someone or something
: to be in contact with (something)
: to change or move (something)
Full Definition of TOUCH
transitive verb
1
: to bring a bodily part into contact with especially so as to perceive through the tactile sense : handle or feel gently usually with the intent to understand or appreciate <loved to touch the soft silk>
2
: to strike or push lightly especially with the hand or foot or an implement
3
: to lay hands upon (one afflicted with scrofula) with intent to heal
4
archaic a : to play on (a stringed instrument) b : to perform (a melody) by playing or singing
5
a : to take into the hands or mouth <never touches alcohol> b : to put hands upon in any way or degree <don't touch anything before the police come>; especially : to commit violence upon <swears he never touched the child>
6
: to deal with : become involved with <a sticky situation and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole>
7
: to induce to give or lend <touched him for ten dollars>
8
: to cause to be briefly in contact or conjunction with something <touched her spurs to the horse> <touched his hand to his hat>
9
10
: to speak or tell of especially in passing <barely touched the incident in the speech>
12
a : to leave a mark or impression on <few reagents will touch gold>; also : tinge b : to harm slightly by or as if by contact : taint, blemish <fruit touched by frost> c : to give a delicate tint, line, or expression to <a smile touched her lips> d : to get a hit off or score a run against <touched him for three runs>
13
: to draw or delineate with light strokes
14
a : to hurt the feelings of : wound b : to move to sympathetic feeling
intransitive verb
1
a : to feel something with a body part (as the hand or foot) b : to lay hand or finger on a person to cure disease (as scrofula)
2
: to be in contact
3
: to come close : verge <your actions touch on treason>
4
: to have a bearing : relate —used with on or upon
5
a : to make a brief or incidental stop on shore during a trip by water <touched at several ports> b : to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner —used with on or upon <touched upon many points>
— touch·able \ˈtə-chə-bəl\ adjective
— touch·er noun
— touch base
: to come in contact or communication <coming in from the cold to touch base with civilization — Carla Hunt>
See touch defined for English-language learners
See touch defined for kids
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Origin of TOUCH
Middle English, from Anglo-French tucher, tuchier, from Vulgar Latin *toccare to knock, strike a bell, touch, probably of imitative origin
Related to TOUCH
- Synonyms
- feel
Synonym Discussion of TOUCH
affect, influence, touch, impress, strike, sway mean to produce or have an effect upon. affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction <the sight affected her to tears>. influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior) <our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing>. touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming <plants touched by frost> <his emotions were touched by her distress>. impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect <only one of the plans impressed him>. strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation <struck by the solemnity of the occasion>. sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action <politicians who are swayed by popular opinion>.
2touch
noun
: the act of touching someone or something
: the ability to be aware of something physical by touching it : the sense that allows you to feel physical things
: the quality of a thing that is experienced by feeling or touching it
Full Definition of TOUCH
1
a : a light stroke, tap, or push b : a hit against an opponent in fencing
2
: the act or fact of touching; also : the act or an instance of handling or controlling a ball (as in basketball or soccer)
3
: the special sense by which pressure or traction exerted on the skin or mucous membrane is perceived
4
: mental or moral sensitiveness, responsiveness, or tact <has a wonderful touch with children>
5
: a specified sensation that arises in response to stimulation of the tactile receptors : feel <the velvety touch of velour>
6
a archaic : the act of rubbing gold or silver on a touchstone to test its quality b : test, trial —used chiefly in the phrase put to the touch
8
: something slight of its kind: as a : a light attack <a touch of fever> b : a small quantity or indication : hint <a touch of spring in the air> c : a transient emotion <a momentary touch of compunction> d : a near approach : close call <beaten in the championships by a mere touch>
9
a archaic : the playing of an instrument (as a lute or piano) with the fingers; also : musical notes or strains so produced b : particular action of a keyboard with reference to the resistance of its keys to pressure <piano with a stiff touch>
10
: control of the hands: as a : a manner or method of touching or striking especially the keys of a keyboard instrument b : ability to precisely control the path and speed of a shot or pass <a great shooting touch>
11
: a set of changes in change ringing that is less than a peal
12
a : an effective and subtle detail <applies the finishing touches to the story> b : distinctive and often effective manner or method <the touch of a master> c : a characteristic or distinguishing trait or quality
13
slang : an act of soliciting or getting a gift or loan
14
: the state or fact of being in contact or communication or of having awareness <lost touch with her cousin> <let's keep in touch> <out of touch with modern times>
15
: the area outside of the touchlines in soccer or outside of and including the touchlines in rugby <the ball went into touch>
See touch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TOUCH
14th century
Related to TOUCH
- Synonyms
- communication, contact, hold
TOUCHABLE Defined for Kids
1touch
verb \ˈtəch\
touchedtouch·ing
Definition of TOUCH for Kids
1
: to feel or handle (as with the fingers) especially so as to be aware of <I touched the rabbit's soft fur.>
2
: to be or cause to be in contact with something <Lightly touch the paintbrush to your paper.>
3
: to hit lightly <Be careful not to touch the walls.>
4
: 2harm <No one will dare to touch you.>
5
: to make use of <She never touches meat.>
6
: to refer to in passing <The report touched upon many topics.>
7
: to affect the interest of <This matter touches all of us.>
8
: to have an influence on <As a teacher, he touched many lives.>
9
: to move emotionally <I was touched by your kindness.>
2touch
noun
Definition of TOUCH for Kids
1
: a light stroke or tap <Stop crying. It was only a touch and couldn't have hurt.>
2
: the act or fact of touching or being touched <I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder.>
3
: the sense by which light pressure on the skin is felt <The substance is soft to the touch.>
4
: an impression gotten through the sense of touch <the soft touch of silk>
5
: a state of contact or communication <It is important to keep in touch with friends.>
6
: a small amount : trace <a touch of humor>
7
: a small detail <We put the finishing touches on the decorations.>
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