What is the term used to describe the act of showing excessive love or fondness?

The term that describes the act of showing excessive love or fondness is "dote." When someone dotes on another person, they express affection in an indulgent or overly attentive manner. This behavior often implies a level of care and devotion that goes beyond normal expressions of love, suggesting an almost pampering attitude towards the object of affection. Doting often involves providing special treatment, excessive praise, or nurturing to the recipient, highlighting the idea of loving someone very deeply and visibly.

While the other terms can relate to expressions of love or affection, they carry different connotations. For example, "adore" indicates strong admiration but does not necessarily imply the same excessive quality of love. "Coddle" denotes pampering but is often used in the context of being overly protective rather than purely affectionate. "Fondle," on the other hand, is more associated with physical touch and intimacy, which doesn't inherently translate to the emotional aspect of excessive love. Therefore, "dote" most accurately encapsulates the notion of showing excessive love or fondness.