caress

ca-ress · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A gentle, loving touch or embrace.

  2. 2.

    To touch or stroke gently and lovingly.

  3. 3.

    An act of touching tenderly.

  4. 4.

    (figurative) To touch lightly and gently.

Forms

plural: caresses

Related words

Antonyms: hit, slap, strike
See also: embrace, fondle, stroke, touch
Synonyms: embrace, fondle, stroke, touch

Etymology

From French "caresser" meaning to stroke or touch tenderly, from Italian "carezzare," from "carezza" meaning endearment, from Latin "carus" meaning dear.