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Mollycoddled: meaning, definitions and examples

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mollycoddled

 

[ ˈmɒliˌkɒdld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

overindulged child

Mollycoddled means to treat someone with excessive indulgence and attention, often resulting in a lack of independence or resilience. This term typically refers to children who are pampered and overly cared for by their parents or guardians, leading to their inability to cope with challenges on their own. In a broader sense, it can describe any individual who is protected too much from life's difficulties. Being mollycoddled can hinder personal growth and development, making it important to strike a balance between care and independence.

Synonyms

coddle, indulge, overprotect, pamper, spoil.

Examples of usage

  • They mollycoddled their son, shielding him from any disappointment.
  • Parents often mollycoddle their kids, which can lead to problems in adulthood.
  • She found herself mollycoddled by her family, never having to face real challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "mollycoddled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mimado

🇮🇳 लाड़ प्यार किया हुआ

🇩🇪 verhätschelt

🇮🇩 manja

🇺🇦 пестити

🇵🇱 rozpieszczony

🇯🇵 甘やかされた

🇫🇷 gâté

🇪🇸 mimado

🇹🇷 şımartılmış

🇰🇷 응석받이

🇸🇦 مدلل

🇨🇿 rozmazlený

🇸🇰 rozmaznaný

🇨🇳 被宠坏的

🇸🇮 razvajen

🇮🇸 mýkt

🇰🇿 еркелетілген

🇬🇪 დაფასებული

🇦🇿 şımartılmış

🇲🇽 mimado

Etymology

The term 'mollycoddle' also spelled as 'molly coddle,' originated in the early 19th century. It is believed to derive from the combination of 'Molly,' a diminutive form of the name Mary, and 'coddle,' which means to treat with excessive indulgence. The usage reflects a tendency to treat someone as fragile or delicate, resonating with the sentiment of over-protectiveness in parenting or care. As societal norms around parenting evolved, the term took on a more critical connotation, highlighting the potential negative impacts of such indulgent behavior on a person's development. The imagery of coddling evokes a sense of pampered softness, which contrasts sharply with the resilience and toughness often valued in modern culture.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,469, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.