vellicate

An obsolete verb meaning to twitch or cause to twitch; to move spasmodically or convulsively.

• 🇫🇷Verbe vieilli ou rare signifiant tirailler ou provoquer de légères contractions ; se contracter ou bouger par spasmes ou convulsions.

1. To tickle lightly C2 formal

   To touch a body part lightly in order to excite the surface nerves, causing laughter, uneasiness, or involuntary movements.

   • The feather vellicated the baby's cheek, making her giggle.
   • He vellicated her arm gently to get her attention.
   • The sensation of the soft brush vellicated his skin.

   🇫🇷chatouiller légèrement

   Synonymes: tickletitillate

2. To irritate or provoke C2 formal

   To annoy or irritate someone, as if by a small pinch or tear.

   • His constant criticism vellicated her patience.
   • The sharp remark vellicated his pride.
   • The unfair treatment vellicated the workers' sense of justice.

   🇫🇷Irriter ou provoquer

   Synonymes: annoybothergallirritatenettlepeevepiqueprovokerilevex

• vellicated past participle
• vellicated past simple
• vellicating present participle
• vellicates third person singular