nuddle

/ˈnʌdəl/

Definitions

1. verb

to fondle or caress something or someone gently, especially a child.

“She was nuddling her kitten, trying to calm it down.”

2. noun

a fondling or caressing, especially of a child.

“The mother gave her baby a nuddle before putting it to bed.”

Synonyms

  • coddle
  • mollycoddle
  • pet

Antonyms

  • punish
  • scold