Coddle refers to treating someone with excessive care, tenderness, or indulgence, often to the point of overprotectiveness. It suggests providing more attention or comfort than necessary, typically with the intention of keeping someone safe from discomfort, stress, or harm. Synonyms for coddle include pamper, mollycoddle, spoil, indulge, baby, cosset, and overprotect. While the act of coddling can be an expression of love or concern, it is sometimes viewed negatively when it prevents someone from gaining independence, resilience, or the ability to face challenges. The term is often used to describe the way parents might excessively care for their children or how one might overly protect a person in need.
Here are 10 sentences using the word “coddle”:
- She didn’t want to coddle her children too much, knowing they needed to learn how to fend for themselves.
- He was constantly coddled by his parents, which made him unprepared for the real world.
- The hotel staff coddled the guests with every need, ensuring their stay was flawless.
- She couldn’t help but coddle her pet cat, giving it treats and endless attention.
- It’s easy to coddle a loved one when you want to shield them from pain, but sometimes it’s not healthy.
- His grandmother used to coddle him when he was a child, always offering him cookies and warm blankets.
- Some people believe you shouldn’t coddle your employees too much, or they’ll become complacent.
- He felt as though his team was being coddled by the management, which prevented them from growing in their roles.
- The doctor was careful not to coddle his patients but to offer the right advice to help them heal.
- She tried not to coddle her friend too much after the breakup, but it was hard to watch her in pain.
