■ verb ( past and past participle felt )
1》 perceive, examine, or search by touch.
↘be aware of (something happening) through physical sensation.
↘give a sensation of a physical quality when touched: the wool ~s soft.
↘( ~ someone up ) informal fondle someone for one's own sexual stimulation.
2》 experience (an emotion or sensation).
↘consider oneself: he doesn't ~ obliged to visit.
↘( ~ up to ) have the strength and energy to.
3》 be affected by.
4》 have a belief or impression, especially without an identifiable reason.
■ noun
1》 an act of ~ing.
↘the sense of touch.
2》 a sensation given by something when touched.
3》 the impression given by something: the restaurant has a bistro ~.
Phrases
get a (or the ) ~ for (or of) become accustomed to.
have a ~ for have a sensitive appreciation or understanding of.
make oneself (or one's presence ) felt have a noticeable effect.
Origin
OE fēlan , of W. Gmc origin.