dote

[ doht ]

verb (used without object)

, dot·ed, dot·ing.

1. to bestow or express excessive love or fondness habitually (usually followed by on or upon ):

   They dote on their youngest daughter.

2. to show a decline of mental faculties, especially associated with old age.

noun

1. decay of wood.

dote

/ dəʊt /

verb

1. foll byon or upon to love to an excessive or foolish degree
2. to be foolish or weak-minded, esp as a result of old age

Derived Forms

• ˈdoter, noun

Other Words From

• doter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dote¹

1175–1225; Middle English doten “to behave foolishly, become feeble-minded”; cognate with Middle Dutch doten

Word History and Origins

Origin of dote¹

C13: related to Middle Dutch doten to be silly, Norwegian dudra to shake

Example Sentences

So why does one species of dads dote over their children while the other bolts?

From The Daily Beast

Sure, I like the going out to the restaurants and the the-ayters, and I dote on dancing; but—say—thats not all the game.

From Project Gutenberg

We'll all dote on him, hell be my reward If I dissemble.Lam.

From Project Gutenberg

It is long since the sick world began to dote and talk idly: would she had but doted still!

From Project Gutenberg

Oftentimes I forget my very name, so sharp a pang striking through my forehead that I dote and stare and forget all else.

From Project Gutenberg

If ever one creature did dote upon another, Mr. George loved that sweet child.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cherish