Coddle

To treat with excessive care or indulgence; to spoil or pamper someone; to overprotect or fuss over, often at the expense of their independence or the development of necessary life skills. Originally referred to the cooking method of gently simmering food.

Coddle meaning with examples

• As a parent, it is easy to coddle your children, providing them with every comfort and avoiding any challenges. However, this can prevent them from developing resilience and learning to face life's inevitable difficulties on their own, which is crucial for their growth.
• The coach was criticized for coddling his star player, allowing him to skip practices and dictating his training schedule. Such leniency can lead to a lack of discipline among the rest of the team, fostering resentment from players who adhere strictly to the rules.
• In an attempt to coddle her elderly parents, Janice often dismissed their wishes to maintain independence. She hired caregivers without consulting them, which left them feeling more like children under supervision rather than respected adults capable of making their own choices.
• While the organization aims to support its new employees, management has been careful not to coddle them. Instead, they provide mentorship and guidance while encouraging independence, which fosters a culture of growth, empowerment, and accountability among the workforce.
• To coddle a pet is an expression of love, often seen when an owner provides treats and cozy spots on the couch. Yet, constant coddling may lead to behavioral issues, as the pet might become overly dependent and less capable of self-regulating in various situations.