Definition

To treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that may spoil them.

Example

She tends to coddle her children, giving them everything they want.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think it's great how you coddle your plants; they look so healthy.

Thanks! I really enjoy taking care of them and giving them extra attention.

Do you think it's too much to coddle them like that?

Not at all! They thrive on that kind of love and care.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coddle originates from the dialectal English 'coddle', meaning to cook gently or to pamper. The word is believed to be derived from the word 'codd', which means to boil gently. Thus, coddle refers to the act of treating someone with excessive care or gentleness, akin to cooking something slowly and carefully.

Memory Tip

Think of gently cooking something to remember that to coddle means to treat someone with great care and tenderness.

Visually Confused Words