PoliticsAugust 8, 2026
coddling
KOD-l-ing
Definition
To treat someone or something with excessive indulgence or protective care that is often viewed as unnecessary or counterproductive.
Etymology
Originating in the late 16th century, the word likely derives from 'caudle,' a warm, thickened drink formerly given to the sick. It evolved to figuratively describe the act of treating someone like an invalid by over-nursing or over-indulging them.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how one nation feels the other is being overly protected or favored by trade policies. It highlights the perceived imbalance in economic treatment that fuels the retaliatory sanctions.
China retaliates with sanctions on US firms as tariff tensions rise
Read the full article ↗Fox News