Pronunciation: [kˈɒdlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "coddling" is spelled with two d's because the vowel sound that precedes the second consonant is pronounced as a short "o" sound, as in "hot." This can be represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkɑd.lɪŋ/. The word means to treat someone in an excessively indulgent or overprotective way, typically a child or pet. It can also refer to the process of gently cooking food by simmering it in water just below boiling point.
Coddling is a verb that refers to the act of treating someone with excessive care or protection, often to the point of enabling a sense of dependency or entitlement. It can also be described as a form of overindulgence or pampering, wherein individuals are shielded from challenges or hardships in an effort to shield them from potential distress or failure.
To coddle someone typically involves providing an environment or context where their every need or desire is met, often without them having to work or make efforts to achieve those outcomes. It could involve excessive indulgence in material comforts or constantly shielding individuals from any form of discomfort or adversity. By coddling, individuals are deprived of the opportunity to develop resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills.
Coddling can occur in various contexts, ranging from personal relationships to educational or professional settings. Parents or caregivers might coddle their children by sheltering them from any form of discipline or challenges. Similarly, teachers or mentors could coddle their students by lowering expectations or not providing proper constructive feedback, hindering their development and growth. In workplaces, employees may be coddled through the creation of a comfortable, non-confrontational environment, which could lead to a lack of motivation or initiative.
While the intention behind coddling may be to provide protection or support, it can have detrimental effects on the individual being coddled. The lack of exposure to challenges and adversity inhibits personal growth, fosters a dependency mindset, and hampers the development of essential life skills.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "coddling" comes from the Middle English term "codel" or "codle", which meant "child" or "baby bird" in the 14th century. This word is derived from the Old English "codd" or "coddere", meaning "one who coddles". The sense of "coddling" as we understand it today, which refers to treating someone with excessive care or pampering, emerged in the mid-16th century.
