caresser

to stroke, to caress

verb kah-reh-SEH Less Common

Also means

to cherish (a plan)

Usage Note

caresser means to stroke gently (a pet, a person) and figuratively to 'nurture' or 'cherish' an idea: caresser un projet ('to nurse a plan'). The noun is caresse (a caress, a stroke). It is warmer and more delicate in tone than toucher (to touch).

Examples

"Elle caressait doucement le chat."

Natural Translation

She was gently stroking the cat.

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