Telepathy

Telepathy was a psychic ability which allowed mind-to-mind communication. The term could also be used to describe and was often linked to mind-control, and certain types of hypnosis. Telepathy could take varied forms; from an exchange of images, experiences (DW: The Three Doctors), to associated emotions and even mind-to-mind "conversation" between two or more individuals (BFA: Worldwide Web), however it was possible for a skilled telepath to monitor the minds of others without being detected. Some species and individuals could use their telepathy at a distance, but others needed to be in close-proximity, and others need to touch the subject they wish to "Read". Time Lords, for example, tended to be touch-telepaths, but weren't always limited in this fashion.

The Doctor using touch telepathy on Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson. (DW: The Girl in the Fireplace)

Telepathy was a more fully-developed mental ability than Empathy, which simply allowed an individual to sense the emotions of another.

TARDISes such as the Doctor's Type 40 have telepathic abilities from dedicated systems known as Telepathic circuits; among other functions, these translate any language for the passengers.

A rare mineral known as Matricite can block telepathy. (PDA: Synthespians™)

On Yemaya 4 in 2257 several human colonists develop telepathic and telekinetic abilities. (NA: Sleepy)