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

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

From Salon

"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

Trump's entire life has been defined by the willingness of other people to coddle the rich white boy.

From Salon

“And then, when the information exploded into the public domain, continue to coddle George Santos and play footsie with him for the better part of the year.”

From Seattle Times

“If extreme House Democrats will vote to coddle violent criminals in their city of work, they will pursue a pro-crime policy that will make you fear for your life in your local neighborhood as well,” Mr. Reinert said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

From Washington Times