fondle

American  

[fon-dl] / ˈfɒn 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.

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verb (used without object)

fondled, fondling

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

fondle British  

/ ˈfɒndəl /

verb

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

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of fondle

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

“It must be stressful to be touched and fondled by a bunch of strangers,” said Sachiko Azuma, head of Tokyo-based PEACE, which stands for Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation.

From Seattle Times

Like for nervous people, “fidget toys” — sensory objects to fondle — help ground you, Darragh says, gripping a clementine.

From Los Angeles Times

On a sweltering summer weekday at Jaemor Farms, a large produce stand off a rural highway, shoppers fondled ripe peaches and sampled ice cream.

From New York Times

A different wrestler in the lawsuit alleges Strauss fondled him during more than 50 medical visits.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• caress
• grope