caresses - definition of caresses by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

ca·ress (k

-r

)

A gentle touch or gesture of fondness, tenderness, or love.

tr.v. ca·ressed, ca·ress·ing, ca·ress·es

1. To touch or stroke in an affectionate or loving manner.

2. To touch or move as if with a caress: soft music that caressed the ears.

3. To treat fondly, kindly, or favorably; cherish.

[French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro, dear, from Latin crus; see k- in Indo-European roots.]

ca·resser n.

ca·ressing·ly adv.

ca·ressive adj.

Synonyms: caress, cuddle, fondle, pet¹
These verbs mean to touch or handle affectionately: caressed the baby's forehead; cuddled the kitten in her arms; fondling the dog's ears; petting his pony.

caress

Noun

a gentle affectionate touch or embrace

Verb

to touch gently and affectionately [Latin carus dear]

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Noun	1.	caress - a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it); "he showered her with caresses"; "soft music was a fond caress"; "the caresses of the breeze played over his face" stroking, stroke - a light touch with the hands
Verb	1.	caress - touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner; "He caressed her face"; "They fondled in the back seat of the taxi" fondle paw - touch clumsily; "The man tried to paw her" grope - fondle for sexual pleasure; "He made some sexual advances at the woman in his office and groped her repeatedly" dandle - pet; "the grandfather dandled the small child" stroke - touch lightly and repeatedly, as with brushing motions; "He stroked his long beard" pet - stroke or caress in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking pat, chuck - pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin nuzzle, nose - rub noses pet - stroke or caress gently; "pet the lamb" tickle - touch or stroke lightly; "The grass tickled her calves"