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; see origin at 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 • Oct. 2, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2023

As she paused to fondle a makeup brush, I heard the grip of her finger pads reluctant to give up the cellophane wrapper.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2019

If the joy of studying a masterpiece is, as Nabokov put it, “to fondle the details,” lingering inside the facsimile is unquestionably superior to being herded through the original tomb by a guide.

From The New Yorker • Nov. 20, 2016

I bent down to fondle Jasper, my unfailing habit in moments of embarrassment.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• caress
• grope