Meaning & Definition of word "Coddle"

Coddle

/ˈkɒd(ə)l/

1. To treat someone indulgently or overprotectively.
- Example: Parents often coddle their children, making it hard for them to become independent adults.
2. To cook (an egg) gently so that the white is set but the yolk is still liquid.
- Example: He prefers his eggs coddled rather than boiled or fried for breakfast.
3. To pamper or spoil someone.
- Example: The grandmother would coddle her grandchildren with treats and gifts every time they visited.

First recorded in the 16th century, possibly from the dialect verb 'cuddle' meaning 'to cuddle'.

coddle someone:

To pamper or take care of someone excessively.

coddled environment:

An overly protective setting where individuals are not allowed to face challenges.

pamper:

To indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness.

spoil:

To harm the character of someone by excessive indulgence.

Meaning: Soft on someone

Example Sentence: He's so soft on his daughter, he coddles her all the time.

Meaning: Dote on someone

Example Sentence: She dotes on her pets to the point of coddling them.