1 B2 idiomatic informal
To give someone excessive and often insincere attention, flattery, or admiration.
"The junior employees were fawning over the new director, agreeing with everything he said."
inseparable
fawn over
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To give someone excessive and often insincere praise and attention in order to gain their favour.
In plain English
To act overly nice to someone, especially a famous or powerful person, to make them like you.
What does "fawn over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To react with excessive admiration or excitement about someone, especially a celebrity.
"Fans were fawning over the actor as he walked down the red carpet."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Fawn' as a verb means to show affection in a slavish way (from Middle English — a dog fawns on its owner by crouching and wagging). 'Over' suggests direction of attention.
Actually means
To act overly nice to someone, especially a famous or powerful person, to make them like you.
Usage tip
Usually carries a negative connotation — the person fawning is seen as sycophantic or lacking dignity. Often used critically about how people treat celebrities or authority figures.
Words that pair with "fawn over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
celebrity boss star politician wealthy fans
How to conjugate "fawn over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fawn over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fawns over
he/she/it
Past simple
fawned over
yesterday
Past participle
fawned over
have + pp
-ing form
fawning over
continuous
Hear "fawn over" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fawn over"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
flatter grovel before gush over kowtow to lavish praise on toady to
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