grope

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English gropien, from Old English grāpian, related to grīpan (whence English gripe); compare also grip. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɡɹəʊp/ (General American) IPA(key): /ɡɹoʊp/ Rhymes: -əʊp === Verb === grope (third-person singular simple present gropes, present participle groping, simple past and past participle groped) (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. a. 1812. Joseph Stevens Buckminster, sermon to grope about a little longer among the miseries and sensualities of a worldly life To touch (another person) closely and (especially) sexually. 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. (obsolete) To examine; to test; to sound. 1557, Geneva Bible (Acts xxiv) Felix gropeth him, thinking to have a bribe. ==== Synonyms ==== (to feel with the hands): touch; see also Thesaurus:feel (to search by feel): fumble, glaum, root; see also Thesaurus:feel around (to touch sexually): caress, feel up, touch up; see also Thesaurus:fondle ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === grope (plural gropes) (informal) An act of groping, especially sexually. (obsolete) An iron fitting of a medieval cart wheel. === Anagrams === prego, perog, GOPer