grope

verb

\ˈgrōp

groped; groping

Definition of grope

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to feel about blindly or uncertainly in search grope for the light switch

2 : to look for something blindly or uncertainly grope for the right words

3 : to feel one's way groped along the dark passage

transitive verb

1 : feel up claims that her boss tried to grope her

2 : to find (one's way) by groping

grope

noun

plural gropes

Definition of grope (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act of groping made a grope for the light switch And what are these clumsy, embarrassing, fumbling encounters if they are not passes, beery gropes in the dark?— Nick Hornby

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Synonyms for grope

Synonyms: Verb

feel, fish, fumble, scrabble

Examples of grope in a Sentence

Verb

I groped for the light switch. She groped around in her purse, looking for her comb. We groped along the dark passage. She claims that her boss tried to grope her.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Ohio State is conducting an independent investigation into a former sports doctor accused of groping wrestlers in the 1980s and 1990s, around the time Jordan was a coach. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, "Jim Jordan has some powerful political defenders amid the Ohio State sexual abuse allegations," 11 July 2018 During the World Cup in Russia, there have been at least four recorded incidents of fans groping, kissing or attempting to kiss female journalists. — Yesica Fisch, Fox News, "Female Brazilian sports journalists' plea: Just let us work," 10 July 2018 Police at the University of Central Florida are increasing patrol after a woman was groped early Sunday morning, the department said. — Bianca Padró Ocasio, OrlandoSentinel.com, "UCF increasing patrol after groping incident, police say," 9 July 2018 According to the LaFoy lawsuit, Miller first groped the plaintiff at the sheriff’s headquarters in Kearny Mesa, hugging her against her will and rubbing his hand across her backside. — Jeff Mcdonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego County again sued over sexual-misconduct allegation against top sheriff's official," 9 July 2018 In 2016, there were 109 allegations, ranging from comments and gestures to groping, public masturbation, and rape; of those, 22 were declared unfounded, 16 unsubstantiated, and one substantiated. — John H. Tucker, Daily Intelligencer, "Rape at Rosie’s," 26 June 2018 John Moore The Trump administration is still groping for how to defend their inhumane immigration policies. — Luke Darby, GQ, "Border Patrol: Please Don’t Call the Cages Where We Keep Kids “Cages”," 18 June 2018 Management groped for ways to bring in new revenue. — Joe Mozingo, latimes.com, "Visionaries and scoundrels made the Los Angeles Times, which returns to local ownership after 18 years," 17 June 2018 In a February interview with Time magazine, Upton alleged Marciano groped her, allegations that Marciano denies. — Elaine Quijano, CBS News, "New details about Paul Marciano's departure from Guess," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.