Synonyms Word Origin
See more 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. Show More
verb (used without object), fon·dled, fon·dling. to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses. Show More
Origin of fondle 1685–95; fond (v.) (derivative of
fond1 ) +
-le Related forms fon·dler , noun fon·dling·ly , adverb o·ver·fon·dle , verb, o·ver·fon·dled, o·ver·fon·dling. un·fon·dled , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for 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 (tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress (intr) archaic to act in a loving manner Show More
Derived Forms fondler , noun fondlingly , 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
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Word Origin and History for fondle v. 1690s, "treat with indulgence and affection," frequentative of fond "dote upon" (see fond ). Sense of "caress" first recorded 1796. Related: Fondled ; fondling (1670s as a past participle adjective).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
