fondle

[ fon-dl ]
/ ˈfɒn dl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR fondle ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), fon·dled, fon·dling.

to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress: to fondle a precious object; to fondle a child.
Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.

verb (used without object), fon·dled, fon·dling.

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

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DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
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decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of fondle

1685–95; fond (v.) (derivative of fond1) + -le

OTHER WORDS FROM fondle

fon·dler, nounfon·dling·ly, adverbo·ver·fon·dle, verb, o·ver·fon·dled, o·ver·fon·dling.un·fon·dled, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fondle

fondling foundling

Words nearby fondle

fon, fond, fond du lac, fonda, fondant, fondle, fondly, fondness, fondu, fondue, fondue bourguignonne
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to fondle

grope, caress, nuzzle, hug, pat, neck, paw, pet, clutch, cosset, dandle, feel, stroke, cuddle, embrace, love, grab, squeeze, snuggle, nestle

British Dictionary definitions for fondle

fondle
/ (ˈfɒndəl) /

verb

(tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress
(intr) archaic to act in a loving manner

Derived forms of fondle

fondler, nounfondlingly, adverb

Word Origin for fondle

C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see fond 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012