To dote on someone means to show them excessive love and affection, often to the point of being a bit ridiculous about it. When grandparents dote on their grandchildren, they might shower them with gifts, constantly say how wonderful they are, and forgive behavior they'd never tolerate from anyone else.

The word suggests a kind of loving blindness. A parent who dotes on their child might think everything the child does is brilliant, even when it's perfectly ordinary. A kid who dotes on a new puppy might carry it everywhere, take hundreds of photos, and bore friends with endless stories about how cute it is.

While doting shows genuine affection, it can sometimes mean spoiling someone or being unable to see their faults clearly. A teacher might notice that doting parents struggle to believe their child could misbehave in class. The phrase “doting grandfather” often describes someone who's wrapped around his grandchildren's little fingers.

People can also dote on pets, hobbies, or favorite possessions. The word carries a gentle, affectionate tone, though it hints that maybe the person is going a bit overboard with their adoration.