grope

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grope / grōp/ • v. 1. [intr.] feel about or search blindly or uncertainly with the hands: she got up and groped for her spectacles. ∎  (grope for) search mentally with hesitation or uncertainty for (a word or answer): she was groping for the words which would express what she thought | [as adj.] (groping) their groping attempts to create a more meaningful existence. ∎  move along with difficulty by feeling objects as one goes: she blew out the candle and groped her way to the door.2. [tr.] inf. feel or fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure, esp. against their will: he was accused of groping office girls.• n. an act of fondling someone for sexual pleasure: she and Steve sneaked off for a quick grope.DERIVATIVES: grop·ing·ly adv.

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