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

He also claimed that Gisèle Pelicot had “reacted to simple caresses… she scratches herself with a co-ordinated movement”, which he said led him to believe that she was conscious and merely pretending to sleep.

From BBC

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

During a performance at an Atlanta event in September, the “Ride With Me” rapper and his now-wife playfully caressed her stomach.

From Los Angeles Times

One study even showed that healthy young adults who caressed a robotic baby seal were happier, and felt less pain from a mild heat stimulus, than those who read an article about an astronomer.

From New York Times