'caress' originates from French, specifically the word 'caresser,' where the element 'car-' (from Latin 'carus') meant 'dear'.

'caress' changed from Italian 'carezzare' and French 'caresser' and eventually became the modern English word 'caress'.

Initially, it meant 'to show affection, treat as dear', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to stroke or touch gently'.