coddle

[ kod-l ]

verb (used with object)

, cod·dled, cod·dling.

1. to treat tenderly; nurse or tend indulgently; pamper:

   to coddle children when they're sick.

   Synonyms: spoil, humor, baby, indulge

2. to cook (eggs, fruit, etc.) in water that is just below the boiling point; cook gently.

coddle

/ ˈkɒdəl /

verb

1. to treat with indulgence
2. to cook (something, esp eggs) in water just below the boiling point

noun

1. dialect.
   stew made from ham and bacon scraps

Derived Forms

• ˈcoddler, noun

Other Words From

• coddler noun
• un·coddled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coddle¹

1590–1600; variant of caudle, v. use of caudle

Word History and Origins

Origin of coddle¹

C16: of obscure origin; perhaps related to caudle

Example Sentences

In the past few weeks, Trump has retreated to the safe spaces of far-right media, phony events with only hand-picked supporters in attendance, and rallies, coddled from any scary reminders that most Americans dislike him.

From Salon

Most of the cancellations, on the other hand, have been on territory not predisposed to coddle the GOP nominee.

From Salon

Well, I suppose that’s better than him doing a Lincoln Riley and saying defensively, “There ain’t nobody taking more responsibility than I am,” but Ohtani sure made himself look coddled, didn’t he?

From Los Angeles Times

“They feel the incarcerated people are being coddled,” Milo said.

From Los Angeles Times

"And that is so reminiscent of the late 60s, with lawmakers threatening college presidents and insisting that they cannot coddle anti-war student protesters."

From BBC