Coddle

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑdəl/

Definitions of coddle

verb to treat with excessive indulgence or tenderness

Example Sentences

A1 She coddles her pet cat by giving it treats and cuddles.

A2 Parents often coddle their children when they are feeling upset.

B1 Some people believe that coddling students too much can hinder their ability to learn independence.

B2 It's important to strike a balance between coddling employees and holding them accountable for their work.

C1 The wealthy socialite was used to being coddled by her staff and rarely had to lift a finger.

C2 The celebrity was so used to being coddled by fans and assistants that he had lost touch with reality.

Examples of coddle in a Sentence

formal The chef took great care to coddle the delicate souffle, ensuring it rose perfectly in the oven.

informal She always coddles her younger brother, letting him get away with anything.

slang Stop coddling him, he needs to learn to take responsibility for his actions.

figurative The wealthy heiress was used to being coddled by those around her, never having to face any real challenges in life.

Grammatical Forms of coddle

• past tense: coddled
• plural: coddles
• comparative: more coddled
• superlative: most coddled
• present tense: coddle
• future tense: will coddle
• perfect tense: have coddled
• continuous tense: is coddling
• singular: coddle
• positive degree: coddle
• infinitive: to coddle
• gerund: coddling
• participle: coddling

Origin and Evolution of coddle

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'coddle' originated from the Middle English word 'codel', which meant to cook gently or parboil.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'coddle' expanded to include the idea of treating someone with excessive care or pampering, in addition to its original culinary sense.