v. & n.
--v.
1. a tr. apply light touches or strokes to (a person or part of a person's body) so as to excite the nerves and usu. produce laughter and spasmodic movement. b intr. feel this sensation (my foot tickles).
2 tr. excite agreeably; amuse or divert (a person, a sense of humour, vanity, etc.) (was highly tickled at the idea; this will tickle your fancy).
3 tr. catch (a trout etc.) by rubbing it so that it moves backwards into the hand.
--n.
1. an act of tickling.
2 a tickling sensation.
Phrases and idioms:
tickled pink (or to death) colloq. extremely amused or pleased.
Derivatives:
tickler n. tickly adj.
Etymology: ME, prob. frequent. of TICK(1)