fondles
|fond-les|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɑːndəlz/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɒndəlz/
(fondle)
gentle touch
Etymology
'fondle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'fondlen', where the root 'fond' meant 'foolish' or 'affectionate'.
'fondle' changed from Middle English 'fondlen' and eventually became the modern English word 'fondle' through regular sound and spelling developments.
Initially related to showing foolish fondness or excessive affection; over time it evolved into the specific action sense 'to touch or stroke gently, often affectionately (and sometimes with sexual connotation)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'fondle' (countable): acts of fondling; instances of touching or caressing.
His fondles at the concert were reported to security.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'fondle'.
He fondles the kitten as soon as he gets home.
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Verb 2
to touch or stroke someone or something gently or affectionately; to caress (sometimes used with a sexual implication, and can be non-consensual).
At the party he fondles her shoulder in a way that makes her uncomfortable.
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Last updated: 2025/10/01 06:58