groping

grope  (grp)

v. groped, grop·ing, gropes

v.intr.

1. To reach about uncertainly; feel one's way: groped for the telephone.

2. To search blindly or uncertainly: grope for an answer.

v.tr.

1. To make (one's way) by reaching about uncertainly.

2. Slang To handle or fondle for sexual pleasure.

n.

The act or an instance of groping.

---

[Middle English gropen, from Old English grpian.]

---

groper n.

groping·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

groping - acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence; "a groping effort to understand" incertain, uncertain, unsure - lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance; "uncertain of his convictions"; "unsure of himself and his future"; "moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps"; "an uncertain smile"; "touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers"