Definition

Verb: - To look at or think about something or someone with intense, often excessive, desire or admiration, typically in a way that is obvious and lacking self-control. It implies a strong, sometimes envious, longing.

Usage

The verb "drool over" is used to describe an exaggerated, almost physical reaction of desire or envy. It is informal and often used humorously or critically. - It is typically followed by the object of desire (e.g., a person, a car, food). - It describes a state of wanting something very much, often to the point of appearing foolish.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In a professional context: Can be used figuratively to describe intense admiration, though it remains informal.
  • Investors are drooling over the startup's potential for growth.
• As a form of criticism: To highlight someone's excessive or unseemly desire.
  • The tabloids just drool over every detail of the celebrity's private life.

Variants and Related Words

• Salivate over: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, with a slightly more literal connection to the physical reaction of salivating.
  • The team is salivating over the chance to win the championship.
• Covet: A more formal verb meaning to desire wrongfully or enviously. It lacks the informal, physical connotation of "drool over."

Synonyms

• Gush over: To express excessive admiration, often verbally.
• Lust after: To have a very strong, often sexual, desire for something.
• Crave: To have a powerful desire for something.

Related Phrases

• Make one's mouth water: An idiom meaning to cause a strong feeling of desire or appetite, often for food.
  • The aroma from the bakery makes my mouth water.

Notes

• "Drool over" vs. "Envy": While the reference context mentions "envy without restraint," "drool over" is more specific. It emphasizes the visible, unrestrained of desire or envy, not just the internal feeling. Simple envy can be silent and private; drooling over something is an observable reaction.

Verb

1. envy without restraint