/feel/ , v. , felt, feeling , n.
v.t.
1. to perceive or examine by touch.
2. to have a sensation of (something), other than by sight, hearing, taste, or smell: to feel a toothache.
3. to find or pursue (one's way) by touching, groping, or cautious moves.
4. to be or become conscious of.
5. to be emotionally affected by: to feel one's disgrace keenly.
6. to experience the effects of: The whole region felt the storm.
7. to have a particular sensation or impression of (often used reflexively and usually fol. by an adjunct or complement): to feel oneself slighted.
8. to have a general or thorough conviction of; think; believe: I feel he's guilty.
v.i.
9. to have perception by touch or by any nerves of sensation other than those of sight, hearing, taste, and smell.
10. to make examination by touch; grope.
11. to perceive a state of mind or a condition of body: to feel happy; to feel well.
12. to have a sensation of being: to feel warm.
13. to make itself perceived or apparent; seem: How does it feel to be rich?
14. feel for ,
a. to feel sympathy for or compassion toward; empathize with: I know you're disappointed and upset, and I feel for you.
b. Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland. to have a liking or desire for: If you feel for more pie, just help yourself.
15. feel like , Informal. to have a desire for; be favorably disposed to: I don't feel like going out tonight. Do you feel like a movie?
16. feel like oneself , to be in one's usual frame of mind or state of health: She hasn't been feeling like herself since the accident. Also, feel oneself .
17. feel no pain . See pain (def. 5).
18. feel out , to attempt to ascertain (the nature of a situation, someone's attitude, etc.) by indirect or subtle means: Why not feel out the other neighbors' opinions before you make a complaint.
19. feel up , Slang ( vulgar ). to fondle or touch (someone) in a sexual manner.
20. feel up to , Informal. to feel or be able to; be capable of: He didn't feel up to going to the theater so soon after his recent illness.
n.
21. a quality of an object that is perceived by feeling or touching: the soft feel of cotton.
22. a sensation of something felt; a vague mental impression or feeling: a feel of winter; a feel of sadness in the air.
23. the sense of touch: soft to the feel.
24. native ability or acquired sensitivity: to have a feel for what is right.
25. Informal. an act or instance of touching with the hand or fingers.
26. Slang ( vulgar ). an act or instance of feeling up.
27. cop a feel , Slang ( vulgar ). to touch another person's body sexually, often in a quick and surreptitious way.
[ bef. 900; ME felen, OE felan; c. OS folian, G fühlen; akin to ON falma to grope. See FUMBLE ]