fondle

[fon-dl] /ˈfɒn dl/
verb (used with object), fondled, fondling.
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), fondled, fondling.
3.
to show fondness, as by manner, words, or caresses.
Origin
1685-95; fond (v.) (derivative of fond1) + -le
Related forms
fondler, noun
fondlingly, adverb
overfondle, verb, overfondled, overfondling.
unfondled, adjective
Can be confused
fondling, foundling.
Synonyms
1. cuddle, snuggle, pet, pat, stroke.
Examples from the web for fondle
  • Tom got two of them and he let me fondle one while he extolled the virtues of the line.
  • Around him, his bearded companions shake their heads and fondle their feet.
  • Or he may choose to fondle a schoolgirl on a crowded commuter train.
  • She said he began his campaign by asking to fondle her breasts.
  • But the urge to fondle bottles of great old treasures is unsatisfied.
  • In any case, the result was that instead of social delousing humans had to start to fondle each other in more ritualistic manner.
  • Police suspect that sometimes he stayed to fondle her.
  • They fondle and kiss until beholders are fairly nauseated.
  • He often took her to secluded parts of the plant where he would kiss and fondle her.
  • She lifted her shirt, and the accused stared at the breasts and began to lustfully fondle them with both hands.
British Dictionary definitions for fondle

fondle

/ˈfɒndəl/
verb
1.
(transitive) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress
2.
(intransitive) (archaic) to act in a loving manner
Derived Forms
fondler, noun
fondlingly, adverb
Word Origin
C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see fond1
Word Origin and History for fondle
v.

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