caressing
Gently brushing against
Caressing is touching gently and affectionately, usually with slow, stroking movements: She sat caressing the cat in her lap, His hand caressing her cheek.
The word suggests tenderness and intimacy.
Figuratively, things that touch softly may caress: A breeze caressing the curtains, Sunlight caressing the hillside.
Rubbing softly, repeatedly
- brushingSweeping motion with bristles
- glidingEngineless aerial movement
- fingertipsTerminal phalanx pads
- featherlightExtremely light, weightless-feeling
petting · tracing · skimming · grazing · nuzzling · rubbing · massaging · tickling
Hold closely in arms
- cuddleAffectionate close embrace
- snuggleEmbrace cozily
- nuzzleGentle facial caress
- closenessState of proximity
warmth · tenderness · connection · bonding · whispered · skin-to-skin · entwined · nestled
Inducing a settled state
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- lullingCalming into tranquility
- pacifyingCalming someone agitated
quieting · easing · reassuring · consoling · tranquil · peaceful · healing · therapeutic
stroking
Rubbing softly, repeatedly
- brushingSweeping motion with bristles
- glidingEngineless aerial movement
- fingertipsTerminal phalanx pads
featherlight · petting · tracing · skimming · grazing · nuzzling · rubbing · massaging · tickling · patting
embrace
Hold closely in arms
closeness · warmth · tenderness · connection · bonding · whispered · skin-to-skin · entwined · nestled · cozy
calming
Inducing a settled state
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- lullingCalming into tranquility
pacifying · quieting · easing · reassuring · consoling · tranquil · peaceful · healing · therapeutic · restful
soft
Yielding to touch
featherlike · velvet · silken · whispery · gossamer · subtle · wispy · airy · deft · nimble
loving
Feeling deep affection
doting · fond · devoted · cherishing · amorous · endearing · besotted · enamored · sweet · romantic
- touchtouch, feel, touching, feeling, contact
- action verbsrun, jump, chase, grab, climb
- romancelove story, amor, love, boyfriend, courting
- affectionhug, kiss, care, cuddle, nuzzle
- couple intimacycuddling, kissing, hand holding, holding hands, hugging
- gentle handlingcradling, cushioning, padding, wrapping, swaddling
caressingassaulting
Attacking someone physically
attacking · abusing · brutalizing · hurting · harming