fondler
One who strokes
A fondler is someone who touches or caresses, typically in a sexual manner.
The term almost always carries negative connotations, implying unwanted or inappropriate physical contact.
The convicted fondler was barred from working with children.
While fondle itself can describe innocent affectionate touching, fondler as a noun for a person nearly always suggests someone who gropes or molests others.
One who assaults sexually
- groperOne who feels around
- abuserOne who mistreats others
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- groomerOne who tends coats
exploiter · harasser · stalker · pervert · offender · assailant · coercer · deviant
Clumsy, grabby touching
- gropingSearching by touch alone
- touchingEvoking gentle emotion
- caressingTouching with affection
- strokingRubbing softly, repeatedly
handling · feeling · grabbing · squeezing · petting · handsy · touchy-feely
Mild physical or mental distress
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
- fearEmotional response to threat
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
flinching · recoiling · freezing · dread · repulsion · shame · humiliation · trauma
Criminal unwanted sexual contact
- assaultViolent offensive act
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- misconductImproper professional behavior
transgression · exploitation · encroachment · trespass · boundary violation · unwanted advances · sexual misconduct · indecent assault
molester
One who assaults sexually
groomer · exploiter · harasser · stalker · pervert · offender · assailant · coercer · deviant · criminal
pawing
Clumsy, grabby touching
stroking · handling · feeling · grabbing · squeezing · petting · handsy · touchy-feely
discomfort
Mild physical or mental distress
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
- fearEmotional response to threat
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
distress · flinching · recoiling · freezing · dread · repulsion · shame · humiliation · trauma · helplessness
molestation
Criminal unwanted sexual contact
- assaultViolent offensive act
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
misconduct · transgression · exploitation · encroachment · trespass · boundary violation · unwanted advances · sexual misconduct · indecent assault
- fondly rememberedRecalled with warm feeling