fondle

[ fon-dl ]

verb (used with object)

, fon·dled, fon·dling.

1. to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress:

   to fondle a precious object.

   Synonyms: stroke, pat, pet, snuggle, cuddle

2. to molest sexually by touching or caressing.
3. Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.

verb (used without object)

, fon·dled, fon·dling.

1. to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses.

fondle

/ ˈfɒndəl /

verb

1. tr to touch or stroke tenderly; caress
2. archaic.
   intr to act in a loving manner

Derived Forms

• ˈfondler, noun
• ˈfondlingly, adverb

Other Words From

• fon·dler noun
• o·ver·fon·dle verb overfondled overfondling
• un·fon·dled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from obsolete verb fond “to play the fool, dote” (derivative of adjective fond ) + -le frequentative verb suffix; fond ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle¹

C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see fond ¹

Example Sentences

One woman alleged in a lawsuit that an Irvine doctor smirked and laughed while opening a paper vest she was wearing to expose and fondle her breasts.

From Los Angeles Times

At one point, though, she said in the interview, she won a bet while watching “Jeopardy!,” and Schneider took the opportunity to fondle and put his mouth on her breasts.

From Seattle Times

At one point, though, she said in the interview, she won a bet while watching “Jeopardy!,” and Schneider took the opportunity to fondle and put his mouth on her breasts.

From New York Times

The long and ugly history of right-wing cruelty directed at the American public provokes almost no mainstream admonishment, even as Republican officials boast of their patriotism or, as in Trump’s case, fondle the flag with quasi-sexual longing while questioning the patriotism of anyone who denounces their reactionary agenda.

From Salon

In the Palm Garden, we’re asked to open our mouths and taste the air on different parts of our tongue; in the Subtropical Garden, we’re asked to fondle the plants, to run our hands gently over their prickly spines or silky smooth leaves; at the Lily Ponds, filled with koi, ducks, turtles and a large snapping turtle, we’re invited to close our eyes and tune into the water’s ecosystem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caress
• grope