Meaning & Definition of word "Coddle"
Coddle
/ˈkɒd(ə)l/
verb:
- 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.
Etymology
●First recorded in the 16th century, possibly from the dialect verb 'cuddle' meaning 'to cuddle'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
coddle someone:
To pamper or take care of someone excessively.
coddled environment:
An overly protective setting where individuals are not allowed to face challenges.
Related Words
pamper:
To indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness.
spoil:
To harm the character of someone by excessive indulgence.
Slang Meanings of coddle
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.