1. a. To perceive through the sense of touch: feel the velvety smoothness of a peach. b. To perceive as a physical sensation: feel a sharp pain; feel the cold.

2. a. To touch. b. To examine by touching. See synonyms at touch.

3. To test or explore with caution: feel one's way in a new job.

4. a. To undergo the experience of: felt my interest rising; felt great joy. b. To be aware of; sense: felt the anger of the crowd. c. To be emotionally affected by: She still feels the loss of her dog.

5. a. To be persuaded of (something) on the basis of intuition, emotion, or other indefinite grounds: I feel that what the informant says may well be true. b. To believe; think: She felt his answer to be evasive.

1. To experience sensations of touch.

2. a. To produce a particular sensation, especially through the sense of touch: The sheets felt smooth. b. To produce a particular impression; appear to be; seem: It feels good to be home. See Usage Note at well2.

3. To be conscious of a specified kind or quality of physical, mental, or emotional state: felt warm and content; feels strongly about the election.

4. To seek or explore something by the sense of touch: felt for the light switch in the dark.

5. To have compassion or sympathy: I feel for him in his troubles.

1. Perception by or as if by touch; sensation: a feel of autumn in the air.

2. The sense of touch: a surface that is rough to the feel.

3. The nature or quality of something as perceived by or as if by the sense of touch: "power steering that seems overassisted, eliminating road feel" (Mark Ginsburg).

4. Overall impression or effect; atmosphere: "gives such disparate pictures . . . a crazily convincing documentary feel" (Stephen King).

5. Intuitive awareness or natural ability: has a feel for decorating.