Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To handle, touch, or stroke in a tender, loving, or affectionate manner.
   • To show affection by gentle physical contact.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To engage in acts of affectionate touching or caressing.

Usage

• The verb "fondle" is used to describe a gentle, loving touch, often prolonged. It is commonly used in romantic or parental contexts to express affection.
• It can be used both with a direct object (transitive) and without one (intransitive).
• The tone is typically positive and affectionate, though context can sometimes imply inappropriate touching.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The mother would fondle her baby's feet. (The mother would affectionately touch her baby's feet.)
  • He fondled the old photograph, remembering happier times. (He touched the old photograph gently and lovingly.)
• Intransitive use:
  • The couple fondled on the park bench. (The couple engaged in affectionate touching on the park bench.)

Advanced Usage

• "to fondle with": This phrasal construction is less common in modern English but can be found, meaning to toy or play with something in an idle, affectionate manner.
  • She sat fondling with her necklace while she thought. (She sat touching her necklace gently while she thought.)
• The word can carry a negative or sexual connotation when the touching is unwelcome or inappropriate, shifting the meaning from "affectionate" to "licentious."
  • The manager was accused of fondling an employee.

Variants and Related Words

• Fondling (n): The act of touching or caressing lovingly.
  • The fondling of the puppy calmed it down.
• Fondler (n): A person who fondles (often used in a negative context).
  • The security guard was identified as the fondler.

Synonyms

• Caress: To touch or stroke gently and lovingly.
• Pet: To stroke or pat an animal or person affectionately.
• Stroke: To move one's hand gently over a surface.

Phrasal Verbs

• Fondle over: To lavish affectionate attention on someone or something.
  • The grandparents fondled over their new grandchild. (The grandparents showed great affection to their new grandchild.)

Related Idioms

• To fondle an idea: To dwell on or entertain a thought in a pleased, often idle way. (Note: This is a less common, figurative use.)
  • He fondled the idea of early retirement for years. (He entertained the idea of early retirement pleasurably for years.)

Verb

1. touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
   • He caressed her face
   • They fondled in the back seat of the taxi