The word "caress" refers to a gentle and affectionate touch or gesture. It is often used to describe a soft stroke or embrace that expresses love, tenderness, or warmth. A caress can be physical, such as a light touch on someone's skin, or it can be used metaphorically to describe kindness and gentleness in actions or words.
The word "caress" comes from the French word "caresser," which means "to touch" or "to stroke." It is derived from the Latin word "carere," meaning "to be without" or "to miss." The transition from these languages reflects the idea of gentle and affectionate touch.