ἅπτω

[in LXX chiefly for נָגַע ;]

prop. to fasten to; hence, of fire, to kindle, light: Luk.8:16 11:33 15:8, Act.28:2. Mid. with genitive, to fasten oneself to, cling to, lay hold of (so in π.; MM, see word): Mat.8:3, 15, Jhn.20:17, al.; of carnal intercourse, 1Co.7:1; with reference to levitical and ceremonial prohibitions, 2Co.6:17, Col.2:21; of hostile action, 1Jn.5:18 (cf. ἀν-, καθ-, περι- άπτω)

SYN.: θιγγάνω, ψηλαφάω. ἅ. is the stronger, θ. to touch, the lighter term. ψ. is to feel, as in search of something (Tr. Syn. § xvii; Lft. Col. 201 f.) (AS)