grope

English

/ɡɹəʊp/, /ɡɹoʊp/

verb
Definitions
  • (obsolete) To feel with or use the hands; to handle.
  • To search or attempt to find something in the dark, or, as a blind person, by feeling; to move about hesitatingly, as in darkness or obscurity; to feel one's way, as with the hands, when one can not see.
  • To touch (another person) closely and (especially) sexually.
  • To intentionally and inappropriately touch another person, in such a manner as to make the contact appear accidental, for the purpose of one's sexual gratification.
  • (obsolete) To examine; to test; to sound.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English gropien inherited from Old English grāpian.

Origin

Old English

grāpian

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms