Meaning
To be weakly or foolishly fond of somebody.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
The verb is derived from Middle English doten, from Middle Low German doten (“to be foolish”) or Middle Dutch doten (“to be silly”). Doublet of doit (Scottish English). The noun in the sense of "imbecile" is derived from Middle English dote (“simpleton”), itself from doten (see above). The noun in the sense of "darling" and "decay" is derived from the modern verb.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 12 recorded puzzles: