noli me tangere

noun

no·​li me tan·​ge·​re ˌnō-lē-(ˌ)mē-ˈtan-jə-rē How to pronounce noli me tangere (audio)
-ˌlī-,
-(ˌ)mā-,
-ˈtäŋ-gə-ˌrā
: a warning against touching or interference

Word History

Etymology

Latin, do not touch me; from Jesus' words to Mary Magdalene (John 20:17)

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noli me tangere was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near noli me tangere

no less than

noli me tangere

nolina

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Cite this Entry

“Noli me tangere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noli%20me%20tangere. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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