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

Derived Forms

• caˈressingly, adverb
• caˈresser, noun

Other Words From

• ca·ress·a·ble adjective
• ca·ress·er noun
• un·ca·ressed adjective

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

With a rugged exterior as if it were washed on the salty shores of Venice Beach, this hoodie boasts a fluffy terry lining to caress those new tan lines.

From Los Angeles Times

It squawked in protest as he cupped it in his palm before relaxing, relenting to his gentle caress.

From Los Angeles Times

With a rugged exterior as if it were washed on the salty shores of Venice Beach, this hoodie boasts a fluffy terry lining to caress those new tan lines.

From Los Angeles Times

He cringes at the thought of looking up an old video of him trying to sing Sublime’s “Caress Me Down” at someone else’s behest.

From Los Angeles Times

The boy and the mom are beloved, but it’s their own face that each is shown to caress.

From Los Angeles Times