grope

Noun

1. (informal) An act of groping, especially sexually.
2. (obsolete) An iron fitting of a medieval cart wheel.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To feel with or use the hands; to handle.
2. 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.
3. To touch (another person) closely and (especially) sexually.
4. To intentionally and inappropriately touch or rub against another person, in such a manner as to make the contact appear accidental, for the purpose of one's sexual gratification.
5. (obsolete) To examine; to test; to sound.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɡɹəʊp/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: gropien

Inherited from Old English: grāpian

In summary

From Middle English gropien, from Old English grāpian, related to grīpan (whence English gripe); compare also grip.

Synonyms

feel

fumble

touch

finger

search

grope for

fondle

stroke

sense

reek

smell

👃

poke about

pat

stoke

grabble

give off an odour

feel around

feel one’s way

grope along

reach for

scrabble

fish

🐟

tactual exploration

make a grab

caress

feeler

feel out

feel up

flounder

frisk

grab

handle

look for

press

probe

seek

🔍

span

squeeze

feel about