caressive

[kuh-res-iv]

adjective

1. of the nature of or resembling a caress.

   caressive words; a caressive breeze.

2. characterized by or given to caresses.

Other Word Forms

• caressively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of caressive¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; caress + -ive

Example Sentences

He held her hand and drew it up to his throat, pressing his chin against the fingers with a movement that was as caressive as a kiss.

From Project Gutenberg

Sophisticates may take scant pleasure in the caressive, high-pitched crooning of Morton Downey but R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. counts as well spent the $108,000 paid him since June.

From Time Magazine Archive

The lads, Dannie, out there on the grounds, is wonderful fond o’ jokin’, an’ they says I’ve a power o’ looks; but mother,” he concluded, his voice grown caressive and reverent, “wouldn’t lie.”

From Project Gutenberg

She showed herself much inclined to make sexual advances towards adults, pressing herself up against them in a way which innocent persons interpreted as manifesting the caressive inclinations of the child.

From Project Gutenberg

He is of opinion that homosexually inclined boys often exhibit even in childhood caressive tendencies; such boys early attract the attention of priests, who make use of them in the performance of various ecclesiastical ceremonies.

From Project Gutenberg