触摸 (tǒu chù) is a verb meaning 'to touch'—specifically with the hands or fingers, often gently, carefully, or to explore texture, temperature, or shape. Though both characters individually mean 'to touch' (触) and 'to feel/touch with hands' (摸), together they form a compound emphasizing intentional, sensory physical contact—not accidental brushing or forceful contact. It’s commonly used in contexts involving curiosity, care, or caution: for example, when handling delicate objects, examining animals, or interacting with people who have sensory sensitivities.

The word carries a neutral-to-soft register and is more formal or descriptive than the standalone 摸. It frequently appears in educational, medical, or animal-care settings—for instance, describing how a vet examines an injured pet or how a child learns about textures in early childhood development. Unlike 触 (which can imply electronic or abstract 'contact', e.g., 触发), 触摸 always involves direct, tangible human touch.