verb

touch or stroke gently or lovingly.

she caressed the girl’s forehead

stroke,touch,fondle,brush,skim,pet,pat,nuzzle,kiss,cuddle,embrace,hug

noun

a gentle or loving touch.

she felt the caress of his breath on her cheek

stroke,stroking,touch,touching,fondle,fondling,skim,pat,nuzzle,nuzzling,kiss,cuddle,embrace,hug