v.
- feel about or search blindly or uncertainly with the hands.
▸
(grope for)
search uncertainly for (a word or answer) in one's mind.
- informal fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure, especially against their will.
n.
informal an act of groping someone.
Derivative
- groping adj.
- gropingly adv.
Etymology
OE grāpian, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to gripe.