caress

Definition

An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness.

Etymology

From French caresse, from Italian carezza (“dear”), from Latin cārus (“dear”), from Proto-Indo-European *keh₂-, akin to Sanskrit काम (kāma, “love”). Doublet of karezza.

Example Sentences

• "He exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command."
• "And he wooed her with his soft caresses, / Wooed her with his smile of sunshine, […]"