coddle

[kod-l]

verb (used with object)

coddled, coddling 

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

Other Word Forms

• coddler noun
• uncoddled 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

The final stretch requires more coddling and, of course, cost.

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The death of Manzo — who cut a national reputation by insisting that officials coddled criminals — only heightened a pervasive sense of vulnerability, especially in places like Michoacán.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A good fit for: Cooks who don’t want to coddle their pans and don’t mind a little oil.

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In Zimmerman’s final pick, Rose’s mother visits and friction ensues when Rose coddles her too much.

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The first lady appears only too happy to fake compassion — with the likely help of AI — in exchange for living the coddled life of a trophy wife.

Read more on Salon