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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Next season, while the Lakers are on vacation, are we going to see Austin Reaves in the playoffs wearing another team’s uniform because the Lakers traded him while coddling an aged star?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is all so he can coddle his sulky, wild teenage son while expecting Carrie to limit all extracurricular cuddles to her adopted kitty, Shoe.

Read more on Salon