fondle

[fon-dl]

verb (used with object)

fondled, fondling 

1. to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress.

   to fondle a precious object.

   Synonyms: stroke, pat, pet, snuggle, cuddle

2. to molest sexually by touching or caressing.

3. Obsolete.,  to treat with fond indulgence.

verb (used without object)

fondled, fondling 

1. to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses.

fondle

/ ˈfɒndəl /

verb

1. (tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress

2. archaic,  (intr) to act in a loving manner

Other Word Forms

• fondler noun
• overfondle verb
• unfondled adjective
• fondlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from obsolete verb fond “to play the fool, dote” (derivative of adjective fond ) + -le frequentative verb suffix; fond ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle¹

C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see _fond ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Wainwright’s version does fondle the trademark pipe, which suggests the original Maigret as well as a painting by Magritte.

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The men were directed to fondle the women and guess their identities.

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"He pulled me in under the water, and groped and fondled me, making me feel very, very uncomfortable - very much trapped. I was terrified thinking how am I going to get out of this."

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Monday, fondled her breasts and tried to remove her from the area, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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One woman alleged in a lawsuit that an Irvine doctor smirked and laughed while opening a paper vest she was wearing to expose and fondle her breasts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caress 
• grope