fondle
[ fon-dl ]
/ ˈfɒn dl /
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.
Nearby words
fond du lac, fonda, fonda, henry, fonda, jane, fondant, fondle, fondly, fondness, fondu, fondue, fondue bourguignonne
Related formsfon·dler, nounfon·dling·ly, adverbo·ver·fon·dle, verb, o·ver·fon·dled, o·ver·fon·dling.un·fon·dled, adjective
Can be confusedfondling foundling
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for fondle
fondle
/ (ˈfɒndəl) /
verb
(tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress
(intr) archaic to act in a loving manner
Derived Formsfondler, 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
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Word Origin and History for fondle
fondle
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).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper