Definition of caress
transitive verb
1 : to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : cherish the regiment was fed and caressed at station after station — Stephen Crane
2a : to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner She caressed the baby's cheek.b : to touch or affect as if with a caress echoes that caress the ear
caresser
nounExplore M-W
Examples of caress in a Sentence
She caressed the baby's cheek.
A warm breeze caressed her face.
Origin and Etymology of caress
French caresser, from Italian carezzare, from carezza —see 2caress
First Known Use: 1598
caress
Definition of caress
1 : an act or expression of kindness or affection : endearment when the gifts and caresses of mankind shall recompense the toils of study — Samuel Johnson
2a : a light stroking, rubbing, or patting a gentle caress of her shoulderb : kiss She gave him a parting caress.
caressively
adverbExamples of caress in a Sentence
She gave the baby's cheek a gentle caress.
Origin and Etymology of caress
French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro dear, from Latin carus — more at charity
First Known Use: 1609
CARESS Defined for English Language Learners
caress
playDefinition of caress for English Language Learners
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: to touch (someone or something) in a gentle way
caress
Definition of caress for English Language Learners
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: a gentle or loving touch
CARESS Defined for Kids
Definition of caress for Students
: a tender or loving touch or hug
Definition of caress for Students
caressed
;caressing
: to touch in a tender or loving way
Learn More about caress
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See words that rhyme with caress Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for caress Spanish Central: Translation of caress Nglish: Translation of caress for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of caress for Arabic speakers
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