◙ verb, [with obj.] 1. lightly touch or prod (a person or a part of the body) in a way that causes mild discomfort or itching and often laughter • 轻触使觉得痒；呵痒；使有痒感 »I tickled him under the ears. 我在他耳后挠痒痒。 [no obj.] (of a part of the body) give a sensation similar to that caused by being touched in this way • （身体部位）有痒感，觉得痒 »his throat had stopped tickling. 他喉咙不痒了。 touch with light finger movements • 轻触 »[with obj. and complement] tickling the safe open took nearly ninety minutes. 用手轻轻旋开保险箱花了近90分钟。 catch (a trout) by lightly rubbing it so that it moves backwards into the hand • 用手捉（鳟鱼） 2. appeal to (someone's taste, sense of humour, curiosity, etc.) • 激起，引发（品味，幽默感，好奇心） »here are a couple of anecdotes that might tickle your fancy. 这是几则趣闻，可能会引发你的兴趣。 [一般作 be tickled] cause (someone) amusement or pleasure • 使欢愉，使高兴 »he is tickled by the idea. 这主意让他觉得开心。 ◙ noun 1. [in sing.] an act of tickling someone • 轻触使痒；呵痒 »Dad gave my chin a little tickle. 爸爸在我的下巴上搔痒。 a sensation like that of being lightly touched or prodded • 痒（感） »I had a tickle between my shoulder blades. 我的肩胛骨间觉得痒。
【IDIOMS】
◘ be tickled pink (或 to death) 1. [informal] be extremely amused or pleased • [非正式] 极高兴（或开心） ◘ tickle the ivories 1. [informal] play the piano • [非正式] 弹钢琴
【语源】
1. Middle English (in the sense 'be delighted or thrilled'): perhaps a frequentative of tick, or an alteration of Scots and dialect kittle 'to tickle' (compare with kittle)