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fondle

 - 3 dictionary results

fon⋅dle

  [fon-dl] verb, -dled, -dling.
Use fondle in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress: to fondle a precious object; to fondle a child.
2. Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.
–verb (used without object)
3. to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses.
Origin:
1685–95; fond (v.) (deriv. of fond 1 ) + -le

Related forms:
fondler, noun
fon⋅dling⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. cuddle, snuggle, pet, pat, stroke.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fondle
fon·dle   (fŏn'dl)   
v.   fon·dled, fon·dling, fon·dles

v.   tr.

  1. To handle, stroke, or caress lovingly. See Synonyms at caress.

  2. Obsolete To treat with indulgence and solicitude; pamper.

v.   intr.
To show fondness or affection by caressing.

[Frequentative of fond1, to show fondness for (obsolete).]
fon'dler n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

fondle 
1593 (implied in fondly), "treat with indulgence and affection," freq. of fond "dote upon" (see fond). Sense of "caress" first recorded 1796.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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