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finger
The word carries a strong tactile association, evoking the sensation of precise, delicate touch. While it is a neutral anatomical term, when used as a verb, it often shifts toward a suspicious or intrusive connotation, suggesting a lack of permission or a secretive action.
In a social or legal context, the act of fingering someone implies a definitive pointing of blame. This usage is more colloquial and carries a sense of betrayal or exposure, contrasting with formal terms like identify or testify.
Countable when referring to the individual digits on a hand. Uncountable when referring to the act of touching or identifying in a general sense.
Meanings
One of the four slender digits of the hand, excluding the thumb.
He wore a gold ring on his ring finger.
Examples
Phrasal Verbs
finger out
to identify or solve something through tactile exploration
She fingered out the hidden latch on the old jewelry box.