caress
UK[kəˈres]US[kəˈres]
v
to touch or stroke gently in a loving or affectionate way.
n
a gentle or loving touch or stroke.
Etymology
the word 'caress' entered english in the early 17th century from the french 'caresser', meaning 'to cherish, to treat affectionately'. the french term itself derives from the italian 'carezza', a noun of endearment, which in turn comes from the latin 'carus', meaning 'dear, beloved'. this etymological journey, from a concrete adjective for something precious to a verb and noun describing a tender physical gesture, perfectly illustrates how the abstract concept of affection is expressed through a specific, gentle action.
Analysis
the word 'caress' is a simplex loanword from french. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english spelling.
Examples
she would gently caress the petals of the flower.
the mother's caress soothed the crying child.
a soft breeze caressed the surface of the lake.