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fondle

American  
[fon-dl] / ˈfɒn dl /

verb (used with object)

fondled, fondling

  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)

fondled, fondling

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

fondle British  
/ ˈfɒndəl /

verb

  1. (tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress

  2. archaic (intr) to act in a loving manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of fondle

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The heavens lay hold on us: the starry rays Fondle with flickering fingers brow and eyes: A new enchantment lights the ancient skies.

From The Nuts of Knowledge Lyrical Poems Old and New by Russell, George William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.