tickle
UK: ˈtɪk(ə)l | US: ˈtɪk(ə)l
vt. to touch someone lightly in a way that causes laughter or twitching
vi. to produce a tingling or itching sensation
n. the act or sensation of being tickled
tickle = tick<light touch> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- tick (from Middle English tikken, meaning "to touch lightly")
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "tickle" originates from Middle English tikelen, which likely evolved from the Old English tinclian (to tickle). The root "tick" reflects the light, repetitive touch associated with the sensation, while the suffix "-le" reinforces the iterative nature of the action. The word’s playful sound mirrors its physical effect, making it both phonetically and semantically evocative.
The baby giggled when her father tickled her feet.
Feathers can tickle if brushed lightly against the skin.
She couldn’t stop laughing because the sensation made her extremely ticklish.
A gentle breeze tickled the leaves of the trees.
He used a straw to tickle his brother’s ear as a prank.