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.
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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 caresses
British Dictionary definitions for caresses
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
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