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fondling

[fon-dl]

Origin

verb (used with object)

to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly; caress: to fondle a precious object; to fondle a child.

Obsolete. to treat with fond indulgence.

verb (used without object)

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

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Fondling is always a great word to know.

So is callithumpian. Does it mean:

the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.

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Origin:
1685–95; fond (v.) (derivative of fond¹) + -le

Related forms

fon·dler, noun

fon·dling·ly, adverb

o·ver·fon·dle, verb, -dled, -dling.

un·fon·dled, adjective

Can be confused: fondling, foundling.

Synonyms
1. cuddle, snuggle, pet, pat, stroke.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To fondling

Etymonline

Word Origin & History

fondle

1690s, "treat with indulgence and affection," frequentative of fond "dote upon" (see fond). Sense of "caress" first recorded 1796. Related: Fondled; fondling (1670s)

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Matching Quote

"If psychoanalysis emerged just before World War I to deal with the repressions of Puritanism, the hedonistic age has its counterpart in sensitivity training, encounter groups, "joy therapy," and similar techniques that have two characteristics essentially derived from a hedonistic mood: they are conducted almost exclusively in groups; and they try to "unblock" the individual by physical contact, by groping, touching, fondling, manipulating. Where the earlier intention of psychoanalysis was to enable the patient to achieve self-insight and thereby redirect his life—an aim inseparable from a moral context—the newer therapies are entirely instrumental and psychologistic; their aim is to "free" the person from inhibitions and restraints so that he or she can more easily express his impulses and feelings."

-Daniel Bell

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