dote
UK[dəʊt]US[doʊt]
v
to show excessive love or fondness, often in a foolish or uncritical way.
Etymology
the verb "dote" entered english from middle dutch in the 13th century, carrying the sense of being foolish or acting irrationally. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be connected to a low germanic root implying stupor or lightheadedness. the semantic evolution is clear: from a general state of mental feebleness or senility, the meaning narrowed specifically to the foolish, excessive fondness often associated with the elderly or those blindly in love. this captures the core logic of the word: an affection so strong it appears to diminish critical judgment.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from middle dutch 'doten', meaning 'to be silly' or 'to doze'. its functional role is as a complete verb root.
Examples
the grandparents dote on their newborn granddaughter.
he doted on his wife, indulging her every whim.
she is a doting mother who constantly worries about her children.