Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Caress

//kəˈɹɛs// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness.

    "He exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command."

  2. 2
    a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it) wordnet
  3. 3
    A gentle stroking or rubbing.
Verb
  1. 1
    To touch or kiss lovingly; to fondle. transitive

    "She loves being caressed by her boyfriend."

  2. 2
    touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner wordnet
  3. 3
    To affect as if with a caress. transitive

    "The love and anguish in his voice caressed my mind and soul."

Etymology

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

See also for "caress"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: caress