Caress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caress

[kəˈrɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

loving touch

To caress means to touch or stroke gently in a loving or tender way. It is an expression of affection or tenderness towards someone or something.

Synonyms

cuddle, fondle, pet, stroke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
caress	Used to describe gentle and loving touch, often in an intimate or comforting context. She caressed his cheek softly He could feel the warm caress of the summer breeze
stroke	Used for gently running one's hand over something or someone, typically to show care, affection, or to soothe. He stroked her hair as she fell asleep The cat purred as she stroked its back
pet	Used for gently and affectionately touching someone or something, often referring to animals or in a casual, friendly context. She petted the dog softly The children wanted to pet the rabbits at the petting zoo
fondle	Used to describe touching someone or something gently and lovingly, but may carry a negative or inappropriate sexual connotation depending on the context. He fondled the beads in his hand absentmindedly She felt uncomfortable when he tried to fondle her
cuddle	Used when describing hugging or holding someone close in a warm and affectionate manner, often to show love or comfort. The mother cuddled her baby to soothe him They cuddled on the couch while watching a movie

Examples of usage

She caressed his cheek lovingly.
The soft breeze caressed her face.
He caressed the cat's fur.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

loving gesture

A caress is a gentle and loving touch or gesture, often expressing affection or intimacy.

Synonyms

caressing, fondling, gentle touch, stroking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
caress	Used when gently touching someone affectionately, often in a romantic or tender moment. She caressed his cheek softly before he left The mother caressed her baby's head to soothe him
gentle touch	Describes a soft and careful touch, often used to convey care, concern, or affection in a non-romantic way. With a gentle touch, she bandaged the wound The gentle touch of her hands calmed the anxious child
fondling	Involves touching someone or something in a gentle, loving way, but it can have a more intimate or sexual connotation. Inappropriate or unwanted fondling can be viewed negatively. They were fondling each other under the blanket The artist was fondling the delicate sculpture with care
caressing	Often describes a continuous action of touching someone gently and affectionately. It can be romantic or comforting. He was caressing her hand as they spoke The sound of the wind caressing the leaves was soothing
stroking	Describes the action of moving one's hand gently over something, often to show affection or to soothe. Can be used with both people and objects. He was stroking the cat's fur gently She kept stroking his hair until he fell asleep

Examples of usage

She felt his caress on her skin.
The caress of the sun on her face was comforting.
He whispered sweet nothings as he felt her caress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Gentle touches have been shown to release oxytocin, known as the 'love hormone', promoting feelings of trust and bonding.
Physical affection like caressing can reduce stress and anxiety, boosting overall emotional well-being.
Studies highlight that children who receive affectionate touch tend to develop healthier emotional regulation skills.

Art and Literature

Many poets and writers use the concept of caress to portray intimacy and deep affection in relationships.
In visual arts, soft touches are often represented through gentle brushwork to evoke warm feelings.
Literary works frequently describe a caress as a powerful symbol of love and connection between characters.

Pop Culture

Songs often incorporate the word 'caress' to express romantic feelings, illustrating its emotional resonance.
In film, a caress frequently signifies pivotal moments in love stories, emphasizing intimacy between characters.
The gesture is also a common theme in dance, representing connection and communication between partners.

Body Language

A caress can convey messages of empathy and comfort without the need for words.
Different cultures interpret touching and caressing in varied ways, sometimes as public displays of affection or personal boundaries.
In intimate relationships, a caress can deepen emotional ties and foster connection between partners.

Origin of 'caress'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'caritia', meaning 'to be dear, to cherish'.
It evolved into the Old French 'caresser', which also means 'to fondle or touch gently'.
Usage of the word in English dates back to the 14th century, signifying tenderness in relationships.

The word 'caress' originated from the French word 'caresse', which means 'to caress or stroke'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. The act of caressing has been a universal form of expressing affection and tenderness across cultures and time periods. The gentle touch of a caress is often associated with love, comfort, and intimacy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,539, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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