caress

[kuh-res]

noun

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

   Synonyms: hug, pat

2. a light and gentle touch or stroke, or something that passes lightly over a person or thing.

   Let the gentle caresses of the music carry your worries away.

verb (used with object)

1. to touch, pat, or stroke gently to show affection.

2. to touch or seem to touch lightly.

   The breeze caressed the trees.

3. to treat with favor, kindness, etc.

caress

/ kəˈrɛs /

noun

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

verb

1. (tr) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection

   the wind caressed her face

Other Word Forms

• caressable adjective
• caresser noun
• uncaressed adjective
• caressingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of caress¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from unattested Vulgar Latin caritia, equivalent to Latin cār(us) “dear” + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; charity

Word History and Origins

Origin of caress¹

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

Example Sentences

She softly squeezed his hip muscles, then caressed his midsection, shoulders and neck.

From Los Angeles Times

Banducci encouraged us to caress our bodies, perhaps our neck or hip, shedding as much clothing as we were comfortable with.

From Los Angeles Times

He grew up playing street football in the suburbs of Stockholm and there is still an element of that to his playing style now, with the way he caresses the ball and his dribbling ability.

From BBC

"Look what they have done to my son," Raj's grieving father sobbed as he caressed the forehead of his dead child.

From BBC

All we have is a caress, a stare or a lingering touch.

From Salon

Related Words

• clutch 
• cuddle 
• fondle 
• graze 
• kiss 
• massage 
• nuzzle 
• pat 
• rub