fondle
[ fon-dl ]
verb (used with object),fon·dled, fon·dling.
to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress: to fondle a precious object.
to molest sexually by touching or caressing.
Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.
verb (used without object),fon·dled, fon·dling.
to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses.
Origin of fondle
1Other words for fondle
Other words from fondle
- fon·dler, noun
- o·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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for fondle
fondle
/ (ˈfɒndəl) /
verb
(tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress
(intr) archaic to act in a loving manner
Origin of fondle
1C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see fond 1
Derived forms of fondle
- fondler, noun
- fondlingly, adverb
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
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