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pet

/pɛt/

noun

Meaning

  • An animal kept as a companion.

  • (by extension) Something kept as a companion, including inanimate objects. (pet rock, pet plant, etc.)

  • One who is excessively loyal to a superior.

  • Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a darling.

Synonyms

companion animal

verb

Meaning

  • To stroke or fondle (an animal).

  • To stroke or fondle (another person) amorously.

  • Of two or more people, to stroke and fondle one another amorously.

  • To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge.

    "His daughter was petted and spoiled."

  • To be a pet.

  • To be peevish; to sulk.

Synonyms

mope,
pout,
feel up,
grope,
touch up,
pat,
smooth,
coddle,
cosset

adjective

Meaning

  • Favourite; cherished; the focus of one's (usually positive) attention.

    "The professor seemed offended by the criticism of her pet theory."

  • Kept or treated as a pet.

    "pet rock"