dote

Definition

To be weakly or foolishly fond of somebody.

Etymology

The verb is derived from Middle English doten, from Middle Low German doten (“to be foolish”) or Middle Dutch doten (“to be silly”). Doublet of doit (Scottish English). The noun in the sense of "imbecile" is derived from Middle English dote (“simpleton”), itself from doten (see above). The noun in the sense of "darling" and "decay" is derived from the modern verb.

Example Sentences

• "Little Bill's parents just keep doting on him."
• "Jules doted on Chris, spending hours while Chris was at school assembling vast cities out of microscopic Lego pieces to surprise him when he returned."
• "He survived the use of his reason, grew infatuated, and doted long before he died."