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View synonyms for fondle

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
“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


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Derived Forms

  • ˈfondler, noun
  • ˈfondlingly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • fon·dler noun
  • o·ver·fon·dle verb overfondled overfondling
  • un·fon·dled adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle1

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

Vinson also described how Taylor fondled her, exposed himself to her and barged in on her in the bathroom, and how she, over and over again, asked him to stop.

From Time

When Julie passed by, dropping off a jar of broth, she and Jae gossiped in Korean while Manny and I fondled tomatoes.

From Time

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