caress
UK: kəˈres | US: kəˈres
Definition
n. a gentle or loving touch
vt. to touch or stroke gently in a loving or affectionate way
Structure
car <dear>ess <noun suffix>car <dear>ess <noun suffix>
Etymology
caress = car<dear> + ess<noun suffix>
- car<dear>: From Latin carus (meaning "dear" or "beloved").
- ess<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often indicating a state or quality (e.g., "kindness").
Etymology Origin:
The word "caress" traces back to the Italian carezza and French caresse, both derived from Latin carus (dear). The suffix -ess was added to form a noun denoting an affectionate action. Over time, "caress" evolved to specifically describe a tender touch, reflecting its roots in expressions of love and endearment.
Examples
She gave the kitten a gentle caress.
He caressed her hair as she fell asleep.
The breeze caressed the surface of the lake.
A mother’s caress can soothe a crying child.
The artist caressed the canvas with delicate brushstrokes.