paddled
/ˈpædəld/
VERB
1. Propelled through water using a paddle
Moved a boat or other watercraft through water by using a paddle, oar, hands, or similar means.
1.1. Propelling a canoe or kayak
Moved a canoe, kayak, or small boat through water by repeatedly pushing a paddle against it.
Synonyms
Examples
- She paddled her kayak through the calm waters of the river.
- They paddled the canoe toward the opposite shore.
Related Words
- boated
- navigated
- steered
- propelled
1.2. Rowing with reduced effort
Moved a boat through water using gentle or less-than-full-strength strokes.
Synonyms
- rowed
- sculled
Examples
- They paddled leisurely along the lake.
- He paddled slowly against the gentle current.
Related Words
- glided
- drifted
- floated
VERB
2. Struck with a paddle
Hit or spanked someone with a flat implement called a paddle, traditionally as a form of corporal punishment.
2.1. Spanking or corporal punishment
Struck someone, typically on the buttocks, with a paddle as a punishment.
Synonyms
Examples
- The historical account described how students were paddled as punishment.
- He was paddled for breaking the school's rules.
Related Words
- struck
- hit
- punished
- disciplined
- flogged
VERB
3. Touched or stroked gently
Touched, patted, or stroked someone or something gently, sometimes affectionately.
3.1. Gentle or affectionate stroking
Moved the hands or fingers gently over someone or something in an affectionate or soothing manner.
Synonyms
Examples
- She gently paddled the puppy's head with her hand.
Related Words
- touched
- rubbed
- handled
- petted
3.2. Playing with or handling by hand
Handled, touched, or toyed with something using the hands or fingers.
Synonyms
- handled
- fondled
- caressed
- manipulated
Examples
- The child paddled the soft fabric between her fingers.
Related Words
- touched
- played with
- stroked
- examined
VERB
4. Tread upon or trample
Stepped on or walked over something, sometimes repeatedly or forcefully.
4.1. Trampling or stepping on
Moved over something by placing the feet on it, potentially crushing or disturbing it.
Synonyms
- tromped
- trampled
- trodden
- stomped
- trod
Examples
- The animals paddled through the muddy ground.
Related Words
- stepped
- stamped
- crushed
- walked
VERB
5. Walked or played in shallow water
Walked, splashed, or played in shallow water, especially near a beach or seaside.
5.1. Wading and splashing
Moved through shallow water in a relaxed or playful way, often near the shore.
Synonyms
Examples
- The children paddled in the shallow water near the beach.
- They paddled along the seaside on a warm afternoon.
Related Words
VERB
6. Walked with small, unsteady steps
Moved forward with short, uncertain steps, especially in the manner of a young child learning to walk.
6.1. Toddling
Walked with small, unsteady steps, typically like a toddler.
Synonyms
- toddled
- waddled
Examples
- The toddler paddled across the room toward her mother.
Related Words
- staggered
- shuffled
- ambled
ADJECTIVE
7. Having been spanked with a paddle
Describes someone who has received a spanking with a paddle, especially as a form of corporal punishment.
7.1. Subjected to corporal punishment
Describes a person who has been struck with a paddle as punishment.
Synonyms
- spanked
- beaten
Examples
- The account described the paddled student and the school's disciplinary practices.
Related Words
- punished
- disciplined
- struck