grope

[grohp]

verb (used without object)

groped, groping 

1. to feel about with the hands; feel one's way.

   I had to grope around in the darkness before I found the light switch.

   Synonyms: fish, probe, fumble

2. to search blindly or uncertainly.

   He seemed to be groping for an answer to the question.

verb (used with object)

groped, groping 

1. to seek by or as if by groping.

   to grope one's way up the dark stairs.

2. Slang.,  to touch or fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure, especially without the person’s consent.

noun

1. an act or instance of groping.

2. Slang.,  an act or instance of sexually fondling another person.

grope

/ ɡrəʊp /

verb

1. to feel or search about uncertainly (for something) with the hands

2. (intr; usually foll by for or after) to search uncertainly or with difficulty (for a solution, answer, etc)

3. (tr) to find or make (one's way) by groping

4. slang,  (tr) to feel or fondle the body of (someone) for sexual gratification

noun

1. the act of groping

Other Word Forms

• gropingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grope¹

Before 900; Middle English gropien, Old English grāpian, derivative of grāp “grasp”; akin to gripe, grasp

Word History and Origins

Origin of grope¹

Old English grāpian; related to Old High German greifōn, Norwegian greipa; compare _gripe

Example Sentences

On set, he groped her, and she brushed it off with a joke, saying something like, "god, I feel like I'm in Bristol Zoo," while knocking his hand away.

From BBC

Mr Jones now faces 27 charges which allege that he indecently assaulted or groped nine men over two decades.

From BBC

They include allegations he groped one MasterChef worker at a wrap party and pulled his trousers down in front of another.

From BBC

The 46-page complaint detailed multiple incidents, including one at Perry’s guest house in Georgia when the producer pulled down Dixon’s underwear and groped his buttocks.

From Los Angeles Times

But this week, BBC News reported that 50 more people have come forward with fresh allegations of inappropriate comments, touching and groping - which Wallace denies.

From BBC

Related Words

• cast about 
• flounder