Tickling is the act of touching the body in a manner that causes involuntary twitching movements or laughter.

Tickle torture is the use of tickling to abuse, dominate, humiliate or even "prank" someone. The victim laughs even if he or she finds the experience unpleasant because the laughter is an innate reflex rather than social conditioning. Tickle torture can either be consensual or forced, depending on the circumstances. If tickle torture is consensual, it is usually done as a part of some sort of sexual ritual or another mode of affection. Forced tickle torture can either be used for mild interrogation purposes or simply for a harmless method of dominating someone.