Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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verb
To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To twitch or move convulsively.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: formal, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To criticize in a somewhat irritating way; to carp at.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: pinch
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: irritate
verb
touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: tickle, titillate
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: itch
History
From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).
Across languages
4 source translations are retained for this English entry.
