verb
coddle
KOD-uhl
verb
1
To treat someone with excessive care, protection, or indulgence.
"His parents coddled him well into adulthood."
"Stop coddling the interns — let them make their own mistakes."
2
To cook gently in water just below boiling point, especially of eggs.
"Coddle the eggs for six minutes for a soft, creamy yolk."
How to Use Coddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo spoil someone with too much care, or to cook something gently in barely-simmering water.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "cuddle" (to hold affectionately) — coddle is about overprotecting, not embracing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
coddle a child
coddled eggs
Word Forms
coddled past tense, coddles plural, coddles singular
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Etymology
Probably from "caudle," an old word for a warm, comforting drink given to invalids — the sense of gentle care carried over into both the pampering and cooking meanings.