groping

[ groh-ping ]

adjective

1. moving or going about clumsily or hesitantly; stumbling.
2. showing or reflecting a desire to understand, especially something that proves puzzling:

   a groping scrutiny; a groping expression.

Other Words From

• groping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of groping¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; grope, -ing ²

Example Sentences

While these allegations exist along a spectrum of severity, from emotionally harmful language to persistent and unwanted groping, they echo the abuse that Annecy claimed to have been subjected to and imply a longstanding pattern of behavior.

From The Daily Beast

I vividly recall, that day and the weeks afterward, people groping for a decent way forward.

From The Daily Beast

“He was groping for some way to phrase the emotions that usually were kept securely locked up,” said Eleanor.

From The Daily Beast

Miranda Barbour is said to have initially told police that she acted alone and stabbed the man only after he began groping her.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S. Open of Surfing dissolved into vandalism, looting, and groping.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, Republicans are groping for answers as the slow march toward the fiscal cliff leaves them ever more divided.

From The Daily Beast

Groping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.

From Project Gutenberg

Donny found himself, dazed and alone, upon the cross-ties, groping toward the oncoming train.

From Project Gutenberg

Groping his way with half-closed eyes back to the bed, he falls again into a heavy, dreamless slumber.

From Project Gutenberg

They went into the haunted house then, groping their way in the darkness, for they had left their own lantern in the dory.

From Project Gutenberg

She knew the spot well, and groping for the wall, she stood breathless and spray-beaten beside the gulf.

From Project Gutenberg