n.
A gentle touch or gesture of fondness, tenderness, or love.
tr.v., -ressed, -ress·ing, -ress·es.
- To touch or stroke in an affectionate or loving manner.
- To touch or move as if with a caress: soft music that caressed the ears.
- To treat fondly, kindly, or favorably; cherish.
[French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro, dear, from Latin cārus.]
caresser ca·ress'er n.caressingly ca·ress'ing·ly adv.
caressive ca·res'sive adj.
SYNONYMS caress, cuddle, fondle, pet. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
