Main Entry:

¹ca·ress

Pronunciation:

\kə-ˈres\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

French caresser, from Italian carezzare, from carezza

Date:

1598

1: to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : cherish2 a: to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner b: to touch or affect as if with a caress <echoes that caress the ear>

— ca·ress·er noun

— ca·ress·ing·ly \kə-ˈre-siŋ-lē\ adverb