/ kəˈres; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
[ vn ] to touch sb/sth gently, especially in a sexual way or in a way that shows affection :
His fingers caressed the back of her neck.
■ noun
a gentle touch or kiss to show you love sb
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French caresser (verb), caresse (noun), from Italian carezza , based on Latin carus dear.