# fawn over

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fawn-over
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to give someone a lot of attention or praise because you want to please them or get something from them.

For teachers: to display exaggerated affection or flattery in a servile manner; often used to describe behavior toward someone with power, wealth, or celebrity status.

## Examples

- The fans fawn over the singer after every show.
- It was embarrassing to watch the assistants fawn over the CEO during the entire lunch meeting.
- While the critics fawn over the director's latest masterpiece, the general public seems largely indifferent to its abstract themes.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They fawned the celebrity." but "They fawned over the celebrity." — the verb 'fawn' requires the preposition 'over' to take an object.

## Usage notes

- usually carries a negative tone, suggesting the praise is excessive or insincere.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'admire' or 'praise'; 'fawn over' implies a lack of dignity or an ulterior motive on the part of the person giving the praise.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.