caress
[ kuh-res ]
/ kəˈrɛs /
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.
RELATED CONTENT
6 Portuguese Terms We Wish Existed in EnglishSometimes we’re at a loss for words, not because we’re speechless, but because no English term lends itself to the situation (or snack) at hand. At those times, we turn to other languages, celebrating them for the concepts we wish we could express so easily in English. Here are some of our favorite words from the Portuguese language. Saudade This untranslatable Portuguese term refers to …
Nearby words
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
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for caressed
British Dictionary definitions for caressed
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 affectionthe wind caressed her face
Derived Forms
caresser, nouncaressingly, adverbWord Origin for caress
C17: from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from Latin cārus dear
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012