caressing

ca·ress  (k-rs)

n.

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.

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

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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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

caressing - affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs) cuddling, fondling, hugging, kissing, petting, smooching, snuggling, necking foreplay, stimulation, arousal - mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse snogging - (British informal) cuddle and kiss

Translations

caressing

adj → zärtlich, sanft, streichelnd