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

Monday, fondled her breasts and tried to remove her from the area, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times

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 New York Times

When she won a bet, with the prize being a massage from Schneider, he allegedly fondled her breasts and put his mouth on them.

From Los Angeles Times

He fondled and groped three women incarcerated at the prison in Dublin and made them pose naked for photos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caress
• grope