to feel about with the hands; feel one's way

I had to grope around in the darkness before I found the light switch.

to search blindly or uncertainly

He seemed to be groping for an answer to the question.

to seek by or as if by groping

to grope one's way up the dark stairs.

to touch or handle (someone) for sexual pleasure.

an act or instance of groping.

Slang . an act or instance of sexually fondling another person.

verb

cast about , examine , explore , feel blindly , finger * , fish * , flounder , fumble , grabble , handle , manipulate , poke , pry , root , scrabble , search , touch , feel , fondle , paw , probe