What does "spoon-feed" mean?

To help somebody (usually a baby or elder) to eat using a spoon; to feed using a spoon.

What is a synonym for "spoon-feed"?

Common synonyms include: care for, cherish, coddle, cosset, cradle, cultivate.

//ˈspunˌfid// verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To help somebody (usually a baby or elder) to eat using a spoon; to feed using a spoon. intransitive
2
To overly pamper or indulge (someone), so that they do not (or because they failed to) act or think for themselves. transitive
"I can help you with your homework, but you must understand the concept, because I will not spoon-feed you."
3
To give (something) in an overly pampering way, so that the recipients do not (or because they failed to) act or think for themselves. transitive
"What do you mean "I don't know"? I'm practically spoon-feeding you the answer!"
4
To explain (something, to someone) in simple words; to explain (it, to them) in words of one syllable; to spell (it) out (for them). ambitransitive

"I can help you with your homework, but you must understand the concept, because I will not spoon-feed you."

From spoon + feed.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.