What does it mean to mollycoddle someone?

To mollycoddle someone means to be overprotective and indulgent towards them, treating them with excessive care and attention. This term often implies a sense of spoiling or coddling, where the individual is shielded from difficulties or hardships, which can lead to a lack of resilience. The roots of the term suggest a nurturing behavior that goes beyond what is necessary or helpful, often leading to negative consequences for the person's development and independence.

In contrast, neglect involves the absence of care or attention, which does not convey the same protective sentiment associated with mollycoddling. Supporting someone might imply providing assistance without the same degree of indulgence or overprotection. Challenging someone denotes pushing them to confront difficulties, which is the opposite of mollycoddling, as it encourages growth and resilience rather than shielding them from life's challenges. Thus, the notion of being overly protective and indulgent toward someone distinctly captures the essence of mollycoddling.