caress
[kuh-res]
- an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, especially a light stroking or touching.
Show More
- 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.
Show More
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
See more synonyms for caress on Thesaurus.com1. pat, fondling, hug.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for caresses
Contemporary Examples
For a majority of the music video, Gaga rocks a leather-glove bandeau that at points moves and caresses her breasts.
He described opium as “an old and terrible lover and, like all lovers, overflowing with caresses—and betrayals.”
The three live above a blind poet (Richard E. Grant), who cries as he caresses the books he could once see.
Historical Examples
Fido knew that, for there were caresses in every stroke of the dimpled hands.
A Little Book of Profitable TalesEugene Field
She aggravated him with all manner of caresses and endearments.
The Works of Whittier, Volume V (of VII)John Greenleaf Whittier
In spite of this she was fond of caresses, devoted to her husband, and had several children.
The Sexual QuestionAugust Forel
Valentine took hold of them, sat them on her lap, and half stifled them with caresses.
FruitfulnessEmile Zola
They struggled in this manner with a rattling in their throats, writhing in the horror of their caresses.
Therese RaquinEmile Zola
caress
- a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection
Show More
- (tr) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affectionthe wind caressed her face
Show More
Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for caresses
caress
v.
1650s, from French caresser, from Italian carezzare "to cherish," from carezza "endearment" (see caress (n.)). Related: Caressed; caressing.
Show More
caress
n.
1640s, "show of endearment, display of regard," from French caresse (16c.), back-formation from caresser or else from Italian carezza "endearment," from caro "dear," from Latin carus "dear, costly, beloved" (see whore (n.)). Meaning "affectionate stroke" attested in English from 1650s.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper