If you caress someone, you stroke them gently and affectionately. He was gently caressing her golden hair. = stroke Caress is also a noun. Margaret took me to one side, holding my arm in a gentle caress. a gentle touch or kiss that shows you love someone
a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it); "he showered her with caresses"; "soft music was a fond caress"; "the caresses of the breeze played over his face"