vellicate

Meaning

1. To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
2. To twitch or move convulsively.
3. To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.
4. To criticize in a somewhat irritating way; to carp at.

Synonyms

tickle

titillate

caress

pinch

twinge

goad

jab

nettle

nip

pick

⛏️

contort

pique

poke

prick

prickle

prod

puncture

shoot

spur

stick

convulse

embroider

filigree

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/

Etymology

From Latin
vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).