caress

[ kuh-res ]
/ kəˈrɛs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR caress ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, especially a light stroking or touching.

verb (used with object)

to touch or pat gently to show affection.
to touch, stroke, etc., lightly, as if in affection: The breeze caressed the trees.
to treat with favor, kindness, etc.

Origin of caress

1605–15; < French caresse < Italian carezza < Vulgar Latin *caritia, equivalent to Latin cār(us) dear + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; cf. charity

SYNONYMS FOR caress

1 pat, fondling, hug.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR caress ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM caress

Words nearby caress

caregiver speech, careless, careline, caren, carer, caress, caressive, caret, caretaker, carew, careworn

Words related to caressing

fondle, nuzzle, pat, rub, clutch, graze, cuddle, kiss, massage, toy, handle, neck, mug, pet, buss, clinch, cosset, dandle, feel, stroke

Example sentences from the Web for caressing

British Dictionary definitions for caressing

caress
/ (kəˈrɛs) /

noun

a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection

verb

(tr) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection the wind caressed her face

Derived forms of caress

caresser, noun caressingly, adverb

Word Origin for caress

C17: from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from Latin cārus dear