# groping

/ˈɡɹoʊpɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈəʊpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/groping
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to feel about blindly with your hands when you cannot see well. It also means to touch someone in a sexual way that is not wanted.

For teachers: to feel about with the hands, especially in the dark or when searching for something blindly; also refers to touching someone sexually without their consent. Present participle of 'grope'.

## Examples

- He was groping for the light switch in the dark room.
- After the power went out, she spent several minutes groping along the wall to find the hallway door.
- The witness provided a detailed account of the defendant groping her in the crowded elevator, leading to immediate legal action and a workplace investigation.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'for' when searching for an object.

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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.