coddle

cod·dle

verb \ˈkä-d^əl\

cod·dledcod·dling\ˈkäd-liŋ, ˈkä-d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of CODDLE

transitive verb

1

: to cook (as eggs) in liquid slowly and gently just below the boiling point

2

: to treat with extreme or excessive care or kindness : pamper <accused the court of coddling criminals>

— cod·dler \ˈkäd-lər, ˈkä-d^əl-ər\ noun

Examples of CODDLE

1. The judges were accused of coddling criminals.
2. <a hearty, traditional breakfast that included coddled eggs>

Origin of CODDLE

perhaps from caudle

First Known Use: 1598

Related to CODDLE

Synonyms: boil, parboil, poach, simmer, stew

Antonyms: abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, mistreat, misuse

Related Words: scald; braise, fricassee, pressure-cook, smother, steam; reboil

Near Antonyms: control, discipline, restrain; oppress; neglect, overlook, slight; molest, outrage, violate; harass, harm, hurt, injure, oppress, persecute, torment, torture, victimize

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CODDLE

model, noddle, swaddle, toddle, twaddle, waddle