WordLens

coddle

1 of 1verb
/ˈkɑdəl/
Forms:coddles,coddling,coddled,coddled
1

to overly pamper or indulge someone

  • She coddles her pet dog, giving him treats and belly rubs whenever he whines.
  • He coddled his children when they were young, always giving in to their demands.
  • The mother is coddling her sick child, bringing them soup and blankets.
  • While on vacation, they were coddling themselves with massages and room service.
  • Tomorrow, I will coddle myself with a relaxing bath and a good book after a long day at work.
2

to cook something gently in water just below boiling point

  • She likes to coddle her eggs by simmering them in water for a few minutes until the whites are just set.
  • The chef will coddle the vegetables in broth to bring out their natural flavors without overcooking them.
  • When making custard, it's important to coddle the mixture over low heat to avoid curdling.
  • The chef is currently coddling the seafood in a flavorful court bouillon.
  • They have coddled the custard mixture over low heat to prevent curdling.