vellicate
Meaning
- (transitive) To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
- (intransitive) To twitch or move convulsively.
- (formal, transitive) To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.
- (figuratively, transitive) To criticize in a somewhat irritating way; to carp at.
Synonyms
Translations
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/
Etymology
In summary
From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).
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Notes