To dote on someone

Origin

The word "dote" has deep roots in Middle English, where "doten" originally painted a picture of someone acting foolishly or being weak-minded, often implying senility. It conjured images of an elderly person losing their wits, perhaps nodding off or rambling. However, as language evolved, this sense of "foolishness" began to intertwine with affection, particularly when that affection became so profound it seemed to override good judgment. The "foolishness" shifted from a mere mental state to a characteristic of overly indulgent love, where one might act somewhat irrationally or excessively in their fondness for another. Thus, to dote on someone became less about being mentally infirm and more about showering someone with such abundant, uncritical love that it borders on adoration, often with a touch of charming indulgence.