to put your hand or another part of your body lightly on someone or something
At the museum, a guard reminded visitors not to touch the ancient statue.
The curious kitten touched the mirror and was surprised by its own reflection.
✦ From Old French toucher, from Latin toccare “to knock, strike”.
to cause someone to feel sympathy, sadness, or admiration
The soldier’s heartfelt letter home deeply touched his family.
I was touched by how many people came to help after the storm.
✦ See main verb sense for origin.
to reach a particular amount, level, or point
At noon, the temperature touched 40 degrees Celsius.
The company's stock price briefly touched an all-time high before falling back.
