handholding

American  

[hand-hohl-ding] / ˈhændˌhoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of holding hands, especially as a sign or token of affection.

2. constant reassurance and help, especially as an indication of one's interest or confidence.

   We do a lot of handholding with our clients.

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Etymology

Origin of handholding

First recorded in 1905–10; hand + holding

Example Sentences

"We're not actually taking any of the information ourselves," he explained, adding "we're just kind of handholding and making sure that the police are getting all the information that is necessary."

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

It does a fair amount of handholding to introduce you to different features, but it never feels intrusive.

From The Verge • Sep. 1, 2022

“Inflation is expected to rise in the coming months, and the Fed may need to provide more handholding to the market during this price spike.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 18, 2021

I wonder if the Goggles register the handholding as a “success.”

From Slate • Jun. 27, 2020

"Because wouldn't it be better," I say, "if the handholding really just meant they were connected, and you didn't have to think about the other possibilities?"

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour