Entry 3 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 caressing · IPA /kəˈɹɛsɪŋ/ adj. n. 01 adj. showing love. 1. showing love. 02 n. the act of embracing; holding in one's arms . 1. the act of embracing; holding in one's arms . 2. foreplay without contact with the genital organs. Syn. caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, kissing, necking, petting, smooching, snuggling.