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Definition of caress

caress

/kəˈrɛs/
ca · ress
Adverb:caressingly
•
Plural:caresses
•
Adjective:caressive
•
Past Simple:caressed
•
Past Participle:caressed
•
Present Participle:caressing
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caress Lexical Profile

caress Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To touch or stroke gently and affectionately.

Example

"She reached out to caress the soft fur of the stray kitten."

2

To brush against or pass over gently (especially of wind, water, light, or sound).

Example

"A warm evening breeze came off the ocean to caress the palm trees along the shore."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A gentle, affectionate touch, stroke, or embrace.

Example

"The mother gave her sleeping child a gentle caress on the cheek before leaving the room."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for caress
Antonyms
View all antonyms for caress

• Rhymes for caress

• Nearby Words

carelessness
careline
carer
caress
caressingly
caret
caretake

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French caresse, from Italian carezza ('endearment'), ultimately derived from Latin carus meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Caress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/caress
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