fi:l v. & n. --v. (past
and past part. felt) 1 tr. a
examine or
search by
touch. b (absol.)
have the sensation of touch (was
unable to feel). 2 tr.
perceive or
ascertain by touch; have a sensation of (could feel the warmth; felt
that it
was cold). 3 tr. a
undergo,
experience (shall feel my anger). b
exhibit or be
conscious of (an
emotion, sensation,
conviction, etc.). 4 a intr. have a specified
feeling or
reaction (felt strongly
about it). b tr. be emotionally
affected by (felt the
rebuke deeply). 5 tr. (foll. by that + clause) have a
vague or
unreasoned impression (I feel that I am right). 6 tr.
consider,
think (I feel it
useful to go). 7 intr.
seem;
give an impression of
being; be perceived as (the
air feels chilly). 8 intr. be consciously; consider
oneself (I feel
happy; do
not feel well). 9 intr. a (foll. by with) have
sympathy with. b (foll. by for) have
pity or
compassion for. 10 tr. (often foll. by up) sl.
fondle the genitals
of. --n. 1 the
act or an
instance of feeling; testing by touch. 2 the sensation characterizing a
material,
situation, etc. 3 the
sense of touch. øfeel
free (often foll. by to + infin.) not be
reluctant or
hesitant (do feel free to criticize). feel like have a
wish for; be inclined
towards. feel one's oats see
OAT. feel oneself be fit or
confident etc. feel
out investigate cautiously. feel
strange see STRANGE. feel up to be
ready to
face or deal with. feel one's
way proceed carefully; act cautiously.
get the feel of
become accustomed to using.
make one's
influence (or
presence etc.) felt
assert one's influence; make others
aware of one's presence etc. [OE felan f. WG]