mollycoddle — to treat someone very kindly or too kindly, in a way that protects them from anything unpleasant
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to treat someone very kindly or too kindly, in a way that protects them from anything unpleasant
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɑːliˌkɑːdəl/
Example Sentences
- The helicopter parents mollycoddle their teenager so much that he can't even make his own sandwich.
- The coach refused to mollycoddle the new recruits during training.
- He's become such a mollycoddle that he calls his mom to ask how to boil water.
mollycoddle
VERB[/ˈmɑːliˌkɑːdəl/]
to treat someone very kindly or too kindly, in a way that protects them from anything unpleasant
a worried parent hovers closely behind their child who is trying to climb a small, safe playground structure. The parent holds their arms out protectively, ready to catch the child at any moment even though the climb is very low and safe. The child looks slightly frustrated and wants to play independently like the other kids. Other children nearby are climbing and playing freely without constant supervision from their parents. someone being treated too kindly in a way that protects them from anything unpleasant
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 18th century English, combining 'Molly' (a feminine name) with 'coddle' (to treat gently or pamper). Originally used disparagingly to describe treating someone, especially men, in an overly soft or feminine manner.
Breakdown
Molly (feminine name suggesting softness) + coddle (to treat gently/pamper)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The helicopter parents mollycoddle their teenager so much that he can't even make his own sandwich.”
“The coach refused to mollycoddle the new recruits during training.”
“He's become such a mollycoddle that he calls his mom to ask how to boil water.”
“Don't mollycoddle your students; they need to face challenges to grow.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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