caresses

[/kəˈrɛsɪz/]
noun/verbpl: caresses (noun); caresses (verb, third person singular)
carícias
1. Noun: Soft, gentle touches or strokes, typically expressing affection or love
The mother's caresses soothed the child to sleep.
As carícias da mãe acalmaram a criança para dormir.
2. Verb: To touch or stroke gently and affectionately; to treat with tenderness
She caresses her lover's face with her hand.
Ela acaricia o rosto de seu amor com a mão.
3. Noun: Acts or expressions of tenderness and affection
The couple exchanged caresses throughout the evening.
O casal trocou carícias durante toda a noite.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'caresses' is primarily used in romantic, familial, or intimate settings. In Brazil, it's commonly used in literature, music (particularly in samba and bossa nova), and everyday romantic dialogue. The word carries connotations of tenderness and emotional connection rather than purely physical contact.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
touchesstrokesfondlescuddlesembracesaffections
Antonyms / Antônimos
strikeshitspushesrejectionscoldness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
carícias
Most common and widely understood term
Rio de Janeiro
carícias
Standard usage; may also use 'acaricia' as verb form
São Paulo
carícias
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
carícias
Identical usage; 'afagos' is an alternative poetic term

Related Words

affectiontendernessembracecuddleintimacylove

Related Idioms & Phrases

caress someone's ego - elogiar excessivamente
soft caresses - carícias suaves
exchange caresses - trocar carícias
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