What are the definitions of “feel up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Touch sexually, grope.
Someone FELT me UP in the club as I was trying to get to the bar.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “feel up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb feel up is to touch someone in a sexual way without their consent, often in a public place. This action is considered inappropriate and offensive.
What are the different verb forms of “feel up”?
| Root Verb | feel up |
| Third Person Singular Present | feels up |
| Present Participle | feeling up |
| Simple Past | felt up |
| Past Participle | felt up |
Example
He tried to feel up the woman at the party, but she pushed him away.
Example
She feels up her partner when they are alone.
Example
He was feeling up the woman at the club, and she slapped him.
Example
She felt up her boyfriend while they were watching a movie.
Example
He had felt up several women at the bar before being thrown out.
What kind of phrasal verb is “feel up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“feel up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He felt up the woman at the party.
Example
She felt her boyfriend up while they were watching a movie.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“feel up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He felt up the woman at the party.
Example
She felt her boyfriend up while they were watching a movie.
Good things to know
Does “feel up” have an informal or formal tone?
Feel up is an informal phrasal verb and should not be used in formal settings or conversations. It is considered offensive and inappropriate, especially when discussing non-consensual touching.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “feel up”?
Synonyms
- grope
- fondle
- caress
- touch inappropriately
Antonyms
- avoid touching
- respect boundaries
- keep hands to oneself
