grope

[ grohp ]

verb (used without object)

, groped, grop·ing.

1. to feel about with the hands; feel one's way:

   I had to grope around in the darkness before I found the light switch.

   Synonyms: fish, probe, fumble

2. to search blindly or uncertainly:

   He seemed to be groping for an answer to the question.

verb (used with object)

, groped, grop·ing.

1. to seek by or as if by groping:

   to grope one's way up the dark stairs.

2. Slang. to touch or fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure, especially without the person’s consent.

noun

1. an act or instance of groping.
2. Slang. an act or instance of sexually fondling another person.

grope

/ ɡrəʊp /

verb

1. intrusually foll byfor to feel or search about uncertainly (for something) with the hands
2. intr; usually foll by for or after to search uncertainly or with difficulty (for a solution, answer, etc)
3. tr to find or make (one's way) by groping
4. slang.
   tr to feel or fondle the body of (someone) for sexual gratification

noun

1. the act of groping

Derived Forms

• ˈgropingly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grope¹

Before 900; Middle English gropien, Old English grāpian, derivative of grāp “grasp”; akin to gripe, grasp

Word History and Origins

Origin of grope¹

Old English grāpian; related to Old High German greifōn, Norwegian greipa; compare gripe

Example Sentences

He screamed “no!” and “stop!” as several players groped him and others watched, the lawsuit says.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors say the actor made explicit sexual remarks to, and then aggressively "groped", two members of the movie's production team.

From BBC

A former model has alleged in a CNN interview that she was groped by former President Donald Trump in the 1990s.

From BBC

Lil Rod alleged in his lawsuit that he was “the victim of constant unsolicited and unauthorized groping and touching” by Combs and felt “uncomfortable with Mr. Combs’ advances.”

From Los Angeles Times

The TV personality, who is the daughter of ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne, was 16 years old at the time, and said Al Fayed would grope her and force her to kiss him.

From BBC

Related Words

• cast about
• flounder