to bring the hand or other part of the body in contact with (something)
to be in contact
to come close; to verge
to tap or push (somebody or something) lightly
to grasp or move (something) in any way or degree
Don't touch anything
(usu in negative contexts ) to harm (somebody)
He swears he never touched the child
to cause (something) to be briefly in contact with something else
She touched a match to the wick
to meet or adjoin (something) without overlapping or penetrating
to reach (e.g. a certain level)
The speedometer needle touched 80
(usu in negative contexts ) to use or accept (something)
He never touches alcohol
I wouldn't touch any job they offered me
to concern or affect (somebody)
to leave a mark or impression on (something)
Few reagents will touch gold
to harm (something) slightly by contact
fruit touched by frost
to give a delicate tint or expression to (something)
A smile touched her lips
to move (somebody) to sympathetic feeling
He was touched by the loyalty of his friends
informal (usu in negative contexts ) to rival (something or somebody) in ability or value
When it comes to dancing, nobody can touch her
informal to induce (somebody) to give or lend money
to be in contact
to come close; to verge
(+ on/upon) to have a bearing; to relate
(+ on/upon) to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner
He touched upon many points
(+ at) said of a ship: to make a brief or incidental stop at a port, etc
with luck
[based on the superstitious belief in tree spirits, which could give protection against evil]