grope

nouns

the act of groping; and instance of groping
grope
is a type of (narrower)
the act of putting two things together with no space between them
"at his touch the room filled with lights"
touch, touching

verbs

feel about uncertainly or blindly
"She groped for her glasses in the darkness of the bedroom"
fumble, grope
see also
grope for
search blindly or uncertainly
"His mind groped to make the connection"
grope
is a type of (narrower)
make an effort or attempt
"He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"
assay, attempt, essay, seek, try
fondle for sexual pleasure
"He made some sexual advances at the woman in his office and groped her repeatedly"
grope
is a type of (narrower)
touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
"He caressed her face"; "They fondled in the back seat of the taxi"
caress, fondle