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Wiktionary The Free Dictionary

caress

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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From French caresse , from Italian carezza ("dear"), from Latin cārus ("dear"), from Proto-Indo-European *keh2- , akin to Sanskrit काम (kāma, "love"). Doublet of karezza .

Pronunciation

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Noun

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caress (plural caresses )

  1. An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness. [from 1640s]
  2. A gentle stroking or rubbing.

Translations

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endearment
gentle stroking

Verb

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caress (third-person singular simple present caresses , present participle caressing , simple past and past participle caressed )

  1. (transitive ) To touch or kiss lovingly; to fondle.
    Synonyms: hold , soothe , stroke , kiss ; see also Thesaurus:fondle, Thesaurus:kiss
    She loves being caressed by her boyfriend.
    • 1858, J. S. Rarey, The Art Of Taming Horses‎[1] , G. Routledge, →OCLC, →OL, page 13:
      The Guacho then goes up to him, caresses him, removes the poncho from his eyes, continues to caress him; so that, according to the notion of the country, the horse becomes [...]
    • 1892, C. L. Edwards, Prof. C. L. Edwards' Progressive, Illustrated Horsemanship And Pratical Management Of Horses‎[2] , page 87:
      He very likely will take a step or two in your direction. Caress him and repeat. Soon commence to snap the finger, at the same time touch him with the whip, and he will follow readily. Now takea longer bow top whip, get a little ways off and snap the finger. If he comes, caress him and repeat. Every time he comes to you, caress him and let him stand; do not drive him away.
  2. (transitive ) To affect as if with a caress.
    • 2012, Mel Berry, Graceful Intentions, page 1:
      The love and anguish in his voice caressed my mind and soul.

Translations

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touch or kiss lovingly — see also fondle,‎ cuddle

Derived terms

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Anagrams

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