feel/fil/USA pronunciationv.,felt/fɛlt/USA pronunciation feel•ing,n. v.
Physiology to perceive (something) by direct physical contact:[not: be + ~-ing* ~ + object]I could feel a slight breeze.
to examine (something) by touch: [~ + object]I felt her forehead to see if she had a fever.[no object]I felt around in my pocket for a dime.
to find (one's way) by touching, groping, or cautious moves:[~ + object]I felt my way through the darkened room.
to experience the effects of; notice:[~ + object]The whole region felt the storm.
to have a particular sensation or impression of:[~ + oneself + verb(-ing)]I felt myself fly(ing) through the air. I felt my lips get(ting) dry.
to have a belief in; think:[not: be + ~-ing* ~ + (that) clause]I feel he's guilty.
to perceive or experience a state of mind or a condition of body; to have a sensation of being; to become conscious of: [~ + object]She felt pride in her accomplishments.[~ + adjective]I'm feeling fine.
to make itself felt, noticed, or apparent; seem; to give off sensations:[not: be + ~-ing* ~ + adjective]Her head feels cold.
Dialect Termsfeel for, [~ + for + object]
to feel sympathy for or compassion toward; empathize with:I felt for you when your car was stolen.
feel out, to try to determine the mood or status of (a person or situation) by discreet, usually informal or unofficial inquiries: [ ~ + out + obj]:We'll feel out the manager on your idea.[ ~ + obj + out]:to feel her out on the new idea.
Physiologyto have a sensation of (something), other than by sight, hearing, taste, or smell:to feel a toothache.
to find or pursue (one's way) by touching, groping, or cautious moves.
to be or become conscious of.
to be emotionally affected by:to feel one's disgrace keenly.
to experience the effects of:The whole region felt the storm.
to have a particular sensation or impression of (often used reflexively and usually fol. by an adjunct or complement):to feel oneself slighted.
to have a general or thorough conviction of; think; believe:I feel he's guilty.
v.i.
Physiologyto have perception by touch or by any nerves of sensation other than those of sight, hearing, taste, and smell.
to make examination by touch; grope.
to perceive a state of mind or a condition of body:to feel happy; to feel well.
to have a sensation of being:to feel warm.
to make itself perceived or apparent; seem:How does it feel to be rich?
Dialect Termsfeel for:
to feel sympathy for or compassion toward; empathize with:I know you're disappointed and upset, and I feel for you.
, Dialect Terms[Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland.]to have a liking or desire for:If you feel for more pie, just help yourself.
Informal Termsfeel like, to have a desire for; be favorably disposed to:I don't feel like going out tonight. Do you feel like a movie?
Idiomsfeel 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.
Informal Terms, Idiomsfeel no pain. See pain (def. 5).
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.
feel up, Slang (vulgar). to fondle or touch (someone) in a sexual manner.
Informal Termsfeel up to, 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.
a quality of an object that is perceived by feeling or touching:the soft feel of cotton.
a sensation of something felt; a vague mental impression or feeling:a feel of winter; a feel of sadness in the air.
the sense of touch:soft to the feel.
native ability or acquired sensitivity:to have a feel for what is right.
Informal Termsan act or instance of touching with the hand or fingers.
Slang Terms(vulgar). an act or instance of feeling up.
Slang Terms, Idiomscop a feel, Slang (vulgar). to touch another person's body sexually, often in a quick and surreptitious way.
bef. 900; Middle English felen, Old English fēlan; cognate with Old Saxon fōlian, German fühlen; akin to Old Norse falma to grope. See fumble