coddle

[ kod-l ]

verb (used with object)

, cod·dled, cod·dling.

1. to treat tenderly; nurse or tend indulgently; pamper:

   to coddle children when they're sick.

   Synonyms: spoil, humor, baby, indulge

2. to cook (eggs, fruit, etc.) in water that is just below the boiling point; cook gently.

coddle

/ ˈkɒdəl /

verb

1. to treat with indulgence
2. to cook (something, esp eggs) in water just below the boiling point

noun

1. dialect.
   stew made from ham and bacon scraps

Derived Forms

• ˈcoddler, noun

Other Words From

• coddler noun
• un·coddled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coddle¹

1590–1600; variant of caudle, v. use of caudle

Word History and Origins

Origin of coddle¹

C16: of obscure origin; perhaps related to caudle

Example Sentences

And, of course, the wealthy and well-connected live by different laws than the rest of us, so this behavior is often coddled and excused.

From Outside Online

She refuted assertions residents were being “coddled” and praised their improvements to the austere desert surroundings.

From Time

We cannot continue to coddle those who would put themselves and the rest of us in danger.

From Washington Blade

You get all this nonsense about “These kids are coddled,” but as a professor, I see these kids stand up and speak out against us.

From Washington Post

Higher education should challenge students, not coddle them by indulging their pre-formed biases and preferences.

From The Daily Beast

They think they will irreparably damage them, so instead of raising expectations, they coddle them.

From The Daily Beast

And regulators who coddle Wall Street have to worry more about becoming props in an Elizabeth Warren YouTube video gone viral.

From The Daily Beast

She is working on a book called American Coddle , about America's culture of entitlement.

From The Daily Beast

Mam' Sarah was very tall, and she had the best lap in the world to coddle down in, Roberta thought.

From Project Gutenberg

“You coddle him,” said Kingsnorth, with a short bitter laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor mammy will mourn over me and coddle me up as if I'd been to the wars.

From Project Gutenberg

And so we left them alone awhile, to coddle over their raptures.

From Project Gutenberg

A man was looked on as a milk-sop and a Molly Coddle, that would not take his mug of ale, and be merry with his comrades.

From Project Gutenberg