1 B2 idiomatic slang
To touch someone's body sexually without their consent; a form of sexual harassment or assault.
"She reported the incident to HR after a colleague felt her up at the office party."
separable
feel up
B2 slang separable transitive
To touch someone's body in a sexual way without their consent. (Vulgar; describes sexual harassment or assault.)
In plain English
To touch someone in a sexual way when they don't want you to. This is sexual harassment and is illegal.
What does "feel up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To 'feel' (touch) someone 'up' (a directional particle suggesting bodily contact) — the euphemistic combination makes the sexual meaning clear.
Actually means
To touch someone in a sexual way when they don't want you to. This is sexual harassment and is illegal.
Usage tip
Describes sexual touching without consent — a serious offence. ESL learners must understand that this act is illegal and morally wrong. The phrase may also occasionally be used between consenting partners in intimate contexts, but its primary usage in public discourse describes harassment. Primarily American English.
How to conjugate "feel up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
feel up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
feels up
he/she/it
Past simple
felt up
yesterday
Past participle
felt up
have + pp
-ing form
feeling up
continuous
Hear "feel up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "feel up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "feel up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
fondle grope molest touch inappropriately
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