caressing

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ca•ress /kəˈrɛs/   n. 

[countable]
1. a light stroking gesture expressing affection or care.

v. [~ + object]

2. to touch or stroke lightly in or as if in affection:
   She caressed the child's hot forehead.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ca•ress  (kə res′), n. 

1. an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, esp. a light stroking or touching.

v.t. 

2. to touch or pat gently to show affection.
3. to touch, stroke, etc., lightly, as if in affection:
   The breeze caressed the trees.
4. to treat with favor, kindness, etc.

• Vulgar Latin *caritia, equivalent. to Latin cār(us) dear + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; compare charity
• Italian carezza
• French caresse
• 1605–15

ca•ress′a•ble, adj. 
ca•ress′er, n. 
ca•ress′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. pat, fondling, hug.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

caress / kəˈrɛs/ noun

1. a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection

verb

1. (transitive) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection

Etymology: 17th Century: from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from Latin cārus dear