Dote
/doʊt/noun
To be excessively fond of someone or something, often in a weak or foolish way.
Did you know?In older English, to dote could imply senility or foolishness, which is why the word still carries a faint sense of love that clouds judgment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*daut- / *dautaz
“to be foolish, sluggish, or dull”
Old English
OE
dotian
“to be foolish, foolishly fond, or senile”
Middle English
ME
doten
“to be foolish or weak-minded; later, to be extravagantly fond”
16th Century
English
dote
“to love or admire with excessive fondness, often to the point of foolishness”
Modern English
English
dote
“to show excessive fondness or affection”