Dictionary

1mollycoddle

noun mol·ly·cod·dle \ˈmä-lē-ˌkä-dəl\

Definition of MOLLYCODDLE

:  a pampered or effeminate man or boy
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of MOLLYCODDLE

Molly, nickname for Mary
First Known Use: 1833

Rhymes with MOLLYCODDLE

2mollycoddle

verb

: to treat (someone) with more kindness and attention than is appropriate : to treat (someone) too nicely or gently

mollycod·dledmollycod·dling \-ˌkäd-liŋ, -ˌkä-dəl-iŋ\

Full Definition of MOLLYCODDLE

transitive verb
:  to treat with an excessive or absurd degree of indulgence and attention
mol·ly·cod·dler \-ˌkäd-lər, -ˌkä-dəl-ər\ noun

First Known Use of MOLLYCODDLE

1864

Synonym Discussion of MOLLYCODDLE

indulge, pamper, humor, spoil, baby, mollycoddle mean to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings. indulge implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires <indulged myself with food at the slightest excuse>. pamper implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with consequent enervating effect <pampered by the amenities of modern living>. humor stresses a yielding to a person's moods or whims <humored him by letting him tell the story>. spoil stresses the injurious effects on character by indulging or pampering <foolish parents spoil their children>. baby suggests excessive care, attention, or solicitude <babying students by grading too easily>. mollycoddle suggests an excessive degree of care and attention to another's health or welfare <refused to mollycoddle her malingering son>.

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: MolochPrevious Word in the Dictionary: mollyAll Words Near: mollycoddle
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears