Mollycoddle: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Mollycoddle verb. To treat someone too indulgently, shielding them from every hardship.
How to say it
MOL-ee-kod-ul/ˈmɒlɪˌkɒd(ə)l/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (MOL). Forms: mollycoddled, mollycoddling.
Mollycoddle in a sentence
My parents mollycoddled me, so my first week of doing my own washing was a disaster.
Stop mollycoddling the dog; he can walk to the end of the road.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- pamper
- cosset
- spoil
- baby
Opposite:
- neglect
Where mollycoddle comes from
From molly, an old word for a milksop, and coddle, to treat tenderly.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Stop _____ the dog; he can walk to the end of the road.
- gallivant
- skedaddle
- mollycoddle
Show the answer
mollycoddle: Stop mollycoddling the dog; he can walk to the end of the road.