First Known Use: 1833
Dictionary
1mollycoddle
noun mol·ly·cod·dle \ˈmä-lē-ˌkä-dəl\
Definition of MOLLYCODDLE
: a pampered or effeminate man or boy
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Origin of MOLLYCODDLE
Molly, nickname for Mary
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
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First Known Use of MOLLYCODDLE
1864
Related to MOLLYCODDLE
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>.
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