fawn2

 
Pronunciation: /fɔːn/

verb

[no object]
  • (of a person) give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favour: congressmen fawn over the President
  • (of a dog) show slavish devotion, especially by rubbing against someone: the dogs started fawning on me

Origin:

Old English fagnian 'make or be glad', of Germanic origin; related to fain

Do not confuse fawn with faun. Fawn means 'a young deer', 'a light brown colour', or 'try to gain someone’s approval by flattering them' ( people fawn over you when you’re famous); faun means 'a Roman god that is part man, part goat'.