First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
grope
verb \ˈgrōp\
: to search for something by reaching or touching usually with your fingers in an awkward way
: to move forward carefully by putting your hands in front of you so that you can feel anything that blocks you
: to touch (someone) in an unwanted and unexpected sexual way
gropedgrop·ing
Full Definition of GROPE
intransitive verb
1
: to feel about blindly or uncertainly in search <grope for the light switch>
2
: to look for something blindly or uncertainly <grope for the right words>
3
: to feel one's way
transitive verb
1
: feel up
See grope defined for English-language learners
See grope defined for kids
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Origin of GROPE
Middle English, from Old English grāpian; akin to Old English grīpan to seize
GROPE Defined for Kids
grope
verb \ˈgrōp\
gropedgrop·ing
Definition of GROPE for Kids
1
: to move along by feeling with the hands <He groped along the dark hallway.>
2
: to seek by or as if by feeling around <She groped for the light switch.> <He was groping for an answer.>
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