Meaning & use
fondling
Touching or stroking someone or something gently, often in an affectionate or, in some contexts, inappropriate way.
See it in a sentence
The child sat quietly fondling the soft ears of the family dog.
The court case involved allegations of a coach fondling players without their consent.
A note on using this word
Fondle can describe innocent, affectionate touching of an object or pet, but in legal contexts it usually refers to unwanted sexual touching.
Words with a similar meaning
caressingstroking
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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