fondle

fon·dle

verb \ˈfän-d^əl\

fon·dledfon·dling\-(d)liŋ, -d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of FONDLE

transitive verb

1

obsolete : pamper

2

: to handle tenderly, lovingly, or lingeringly : caress

intransitive verb

: to show affection or desire by caressing

— fon·dler \-(d)lər, -d^əl-ər\ noun

Examples of FONDLE

1. She claims that her boss tried to fondle her at the office Christmas party.
2. <a cat who enjoys being fondled by his loving owners>

Origin of FONDLE

frequentative of obsolete fond to fondle

First Known Use: 1694

Related to FONDLE

Synonyms: caress, gentle, love, pat, pet, stroke

Related Words: bill, canoodle, cuddle, neck, nestle, nose, nuzzle, snuggle, spoon; feel up, paw; cradle, embrace, enfold, hug; bounce, dandle; knead, massage; baby, coddle, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil

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Rhymes with FONDLE

rondel