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| touch [ tuch ] |
verb (past and past participle touched, present participle touch·ing, 3rd person present singular touch·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb put body in contact with something: to put a part of the body, especially the fingertips, in contact with something so as to feel it
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2. transitive and intransitive verb be or put something in contact: to be in physical contact with an object, or bring something into physical contact with an object
  so that the ends are just touching
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3. transitive verb press something lightly: to apply the slightest pressure to something
You only have to touch the brake.
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4. transitive verb interfere with something: to interfere with or disturb something by handling it
told the kids not to touch anything on my desk
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5. transitive verb have effect on somebody or something: to have an effect or influence on somebody or something
events that touched all our lives
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6. transitive verb affect somebody emotionally: to affect somebody emotionally, usually arousing gratitude, affection, pity, or compassion
Your concern for my welfare touches me greatly.
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7. transitive verb consume something: to consume something, especially food or drink, or otherwise make use of something
You've hardly touched your meal.
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8. transitive verb have dealings with something: to have dealings or become involved with something
Don't touch that issue; it's very controversial.
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9. transitive verb match somebody or something: to come close to somebody or something in level of excellence
Others may have more technique, but nobody can touch her style.
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10. transitive verb approach level: to approach or reach a level
profits touching 2 billion
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11. transitive verb approach somebody for money: to ask somebody for a loan or gift of money
(
slang
)
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noun (plural touch·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. contact made: a coming into contact with a part of the body
felt the touch of her hand on my face
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2. light stroke: a light pushing or pressing stroke
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3. feeling sense: the sense by which the texture, shape, and other qualities of objects are felt through contact with parts of the body, especially the fingertips
the sense of touch
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4. felt qualities: the particular quality or combination of qualities experienced through the sensation of touch
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5. small amount: a small but noticeable amount
a touch of malice in her voice
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6. detail: a detail that adds to or completes something
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7. distinctive style: a distinctive style or general facility in doing something
a sure touch
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8. attack of illness: a mild attack of an illness or disease
a touch of bronchitis
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9. communication: the fact of getting into communication, or the state of being in communication
I completely lost touch with my brother.
Keep in touch.
I'll get in touch with them if I find anything out.
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10. acquiescing person: somebody considered in terms of his or her willingness to do, allow, or give something, usually money
(
slang
)
He's always been a soft touch.
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11. request for money: an act of asking for money, or a sum of money given
(
slang
)
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12. area out of play: in some team sports, the area beyond the touchlines in which the ball is out of play
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13. fencing fencing score: in competitive fencing, a scoring hit delivered to a specific part of an opponent's body
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| [13th century. Via Old French to(u)chier< assumed Vulgar Latin toccare "to strike"] |
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| touch·a·ble [ túchəb'l ] adjective |
| touch·a·ble·ness noun |
| touch·er noun |
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a touch somewhat
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be touch and go to be highly uncertain or precarious
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