definitions

fondle

[ fon-dl ]
/ ˈfɒn dl /
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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.

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

Origin of fondle

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

Related forms

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

Can be confused

fondling 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 Forms

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