groping

• Décrit l'action de tâtonner avec les mains, souvent pour chercher quelque chose dans l'obscurité ou avec incertitude ; peut aussi désigner un contact physique inapproprié.

Describes the act of feeling about with the hands, often in search of something in the dark or with uncertainty; can also refer to inappropriate physical contact.

1. Acting with uncertaintyB2formal

   Characterized by hesitance, lack of confidence, or tentative action.

   agir à tâtons

   • Her groping response during the interview showed her nervousness.
   • He made a groping attempt to explain the complex theory.
   • The team's groping approach to the problem wasted valuable time.

   Synonymesawkwardfumblingtentativeuncertain

   Antonymescertainconfidentdecisivefirmsure

2. Physical explorationB2formal

   Reaching out with the hands in a searching or uncertain manner, often due to poor visibility.

   Exploration tactile

   • In the dark, he made a groping movement toward the light switch.
   • The blind man's groping fingers found the edge of the table.
   • She gave a groping wave in the foggy street, trying to find her friend.

   Synonymesblindexploratoryfeelingfumblingsearchingtentativeuncertain

   Antonymesdirectedguided

• Verbe désignant l'action de tâtonner ou de chercher à l'aveugle ou maladroitement avec les mains, ou de toucher quelqu'un de manière sexuelle sans son consentement.

A verb used to indicate the act of feeling or searching about blindly or uncertainly with the hands, or to touch someone in a sexual manner without consent.

1. Feel about uncertainlyB2formal

   To search or feel about with the hands, especially in the dark or without clear vision.

   Tâtonner

   • He groped for the light switch in the dark room.
   • She groped along the wall to find the door.
   • The diver groped around the murky water for the lost ring.

   Synonymesfeelflounderfumblepokesearch

2. Search mentallyC1formal

   To try to find or understand something by thinking or feeling uncertainly.

   chercher à tâtons (mentalement)

   • The writer groped for the right words to express his feelings.
   • She groped for an answer during the difficult interview.
   • He groped in his memory for the name of the song.

   Synonymescast aboutexplorefumblehuntproberummagesearch

3. Sexual assaultB2formal

   To touch someone sexually without their consent, typically in a forceful or unwanted manner.

   attouchement sexuel non consenti

   • The man was arrested for groping a woman on the train.
   • She reported that someone groped her at the crowded concert.
   • Groping is a serious offense and can lead to legal consequences.

   Synonymesabusemaulmolestpawtouch up

Variantes phrasalgrope for