fondle

• POS: Verb (intransitive), Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: fon=dle

CIDE DICTIONARY

fondle, v. t. [From Fond, v.].

 To treat or handle with tenderness or in a loving manner; to caress; as, a nurse fondles a child.

Syn.- See Caress.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

fondle, v.tr. touch or stroke lovingly; caress.

Derivative

fondler n.

Etymology

back-form. f. fondling fondled person (as FOND, -LING(1))

THESAURUS

fondle

bear, bosom, care for, caress, cherish, clasp, cling to, clip, cocker, coddle, cosset, cradle, cuddle, cultivate, dandle, dry-nurse, embosom, embrace, entertain, feed, feel up, foster, handle, harbor, have, have and hold, hold, hold on to, hug, keep, knead, lavish care on, love, massage, mother, nestle, nose, nourish, nurse, nurture, nuzzle, pamper, pat, pet, rub, rub against, rub noses, snuggle, spoon-feed, stroke, suckle, sustain, touch, treasure, treasure up, wet-nurse

ROGET THESAURUS

fondle

Endearment

VB caress, fondle, pet, dandle, pat, pat on the head, pat on the cheek, chuck under the chin, smile upon, coax, wheedle, cosset, coddle, cocker, cockle, make of, make much of, cherish, foster, kill with kindness, clasp, hug, cuddle, fold in one's arms, strain in one's arms, nestle, nuzzle, embrace, kiss, buss, smack, blow a kiss, salute, fold to the heart, press to the bosom, bill and coo, spoon, toy, dally, flirt, coquet, gallivant, galavant, philander, make love, pay one's court to, pay one's addresses to, pay one's attentions to, serenade, court, woo, set one's cap at, be sweet upon, look sweet upon, ogle, cast sheep's eyes upon, faire les yeux doux, fall in love with, win the affections, die for, propose, make an offer, have an offer, pop the question, plight one's troth, plight one's faith.