Fondle: meaning, definitions and examples

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fondle

 

[ ˈfɒnd(ə)l ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

intimate touch

To fondle means to stroke or caress lovingly or erotically. It involves gentle and affectionate touching. Fondling is often associated with expressing love, tenderness, or desire towards someone or something.

Synonyms

caress, cuddle, pet, stroke.

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Word Description / Examples
fondle

Typically used to describe physical touch in a tender or affectionate manner, often used in intimate contexts. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if the touch is unwelcome or inappropriate.

  • The mother fondled her baby's tiny hand.
  • He fondled the fabric of his new suit, appreciating its quality.
caress

Usually describes gentle, loving touches, often in a romantic or affectionate scenario.

  • She caressed his cheek softly before he left.
  • He gently caressed the dog’s fur, calming it down.
stroke

Describes gentle, repeated movements over a surface, often used in the context of soothing or affectionate touches.

  • He stroked her hair as she fell asleep.
  • The artist stroked the canvas with broad, confident brushstrokes.
pet

Often used to describe the act of gently touching or stroking an animal, typically a domestic pet.

  • She lovingly pet her cat as it purred on her lap.
  • The dog enjoyed being pet behind its ears.
cuddle

Describes a warm and affectionate embrace or holding, usually between people or with pets. Often used in a comforting or intimate setting.

  • They cuddled on the couch while watching a movie.
  • The child cuddled her teddy bear before going to sleep.

Examples of usage

  • She fondled the kitten's soft fur.
  • He fondled her hand while they walked in the park.
  • The couple fondled each other in a romantic embrace.

Translations

Translations of the word "fondle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acariciar

🇮🇳 पुचकारना

🇩🇪 streicheln

🇮🇩 membelai

🇺🇦 пестити

🇵🇱 głaskać

🇯🇵 撫でる (naderu)

🇫🇷 caresser

🇪🇸 acariciar

🇹🇷 okşamak

🇰🇷 쓰다듬다 (sseudadumda)

🇸🇦 يمسح (yamsah)

🇨🇿 hladit

🇸🇰 hladiť

🇨🇳 抚摸 (fǔmō)

🇸🇮 božati

🇮🇸 strjúka

🇰🇿 сипау

🇬🇪 მოფერება (mo'phereba)

🇦🇿 sığallamaq

🇲🇽 acariciar

Etymology

The word 'fondle' originated from the Middle English word 'fondlen', which meant to deal foolishly, indulge in; caress. The current sense of 'fondle' as caress lovingly dates back to the mid-16th century.

See also: fond, fondling, fondly, fondness, fondue.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,864 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.