dote
verb
ˈdōt 
doted; doting
intransitive verb
1
: to exhibit mental decline of or like that of old age : be in one's dotage
2
: to be lavish or excessive in one's attention, fondness, or affection —usually used with on
doted on her only grandchild
doter noun
dotingly
ˈdō-tiŋ-lē
adverb 
Synonyms
- adore
- adulate
- canonize
- deify
- hero-worship
- idolize
- worship
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Apparently freed from adult supervision, Salih’s students don mismatched shoes, dangle from decrepit balconies, and stoop to the street to dote on stray cats. 
Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2022 Music lovers will dote over this washed wood record player that has full-range stereo speakers and a headphone jack for optimal listening. Lily Gray, PEOPLE.com, 8 Dec. 2021 Pogiboy, then, is a reminder of more carefree times when relatives in the Philippines would gush over these handsome boys, Paolo Dungca and Tom Cunanan, who in turn now dote over their own endearing offspring. Washington Post, 25 Nov. 2021 The teen was compassionate toward others, always reaching out to the new kid or to dote on a special needs child. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 8 Sep. 2021 And some owners, such as Chryss Terry, dote on their own specific trailer. Rosemary Mcclure, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2021 Doting, because, well, female elephants dote on their herd’s calves. Terry Demio, The Enquirer, 16 June 2021 The fiddle-leaf fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a high-maintenance plant perfect for someone who wants to dote on something. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2021 During a benefit that featured both her and James, Garnier observed Kate’s older brother dote on her and make sure her soundcheck went well. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2021 See More
Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2022 Music lovers will dote over this washed wood record player that has full-range stereo speakers and a headphone jack for optimal listening. Lily Gray, PEOPLE.com, 8 Dec. 2021 Pogiboy, then, is a reminder of more carefree times when relatives in the Philippines would gush over these handsome boys, Paolo Dungca and Tom Cunanan, who in turn now dote over their own endearing offspring. Washington Post, 25 Nov. 2021 The teen was compassionate toward others, always reaching out to the new kid or to dote on a special needs child. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 8 Sep. 2021 And some owners, such as Chryss Terry, dote on their own specific trailer. Rosemary Mcclure, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2021 Doting, because, well, female elephants dote on their herd’s calves. Terry Demio, The Enquirer, 16 June 2021 The fiddle-leaf fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a high-maintenance plant perfect for someone who wants to dote on something. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2021 During a benefit that featured both her and James, Garnier observed Kate’s older brother dote on her and make sure her soundcheck went well. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English; akin to Middle Low German dotten to be foolish
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing dote
Kids Definition
dote
verb
ˈdōt
doted; doting
: to give a lot of love or attention to
He dotes on his dogs.
doting
adjective
as in caring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- caring
- adoring
- affectionate
- loving
- kind
- understanding
- devoted
- compassionate
- considerate
- warmhearted
- forgiving
- fond
- humane
- cordial
- tenderhearted
- fervent
- passionate
- amorous
- impassioned
- ardent
- friendly
- warm
- lovesick
- infatuated
- amatory
- motherly
- enamored
- fatherly
- erotic
- sentimental
- tender
- romantic
- erotical
- sisterly
- sappy
- brotherly
- lovey-dovey
- mushy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indifferent
- aloof
- unloving
- uncaring
- distant
- unfeeling
- pitiless
- standoffish
- unbending
- detached
- antisocial
- reserved
- unconcerned
- dry
- remote
- cool
- offish
- frosty
- uninvolved
- disaffected
- cold-eyed
- ruthless
- hard-hearted
- callous
- unfriendly
- heartless
- cold
- pitiless
- frigid
- soulless
- unsentimental
- unromantic
- cold-blooded
- hard-boiled