View synonyms for fondle

fondle

[ fon-dl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, fon·dled, fon·dling.

to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress:
to fondle a precious object.
Synonyms: stroke, pat, pet, snuggle, cuddle
to molest sexually by touching or caressing.
Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.

verb (used without object)

, fon·dled, fon·dling.

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

fondle

/ ˈfɒndəl /

verb

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

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈfondler, noun
ˈfondlingly, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

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

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondle¹

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

Related Words

Fond du Lac fondling

Browse