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Kiss
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one’s lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, sexual activity, sexual arousal, affection, respect, greeting, friendship, peace, and good luck, among many others. In some situations, a kiss is a ritual, formal or symbolic gesture indicating devotion, respect, or sacrament. The word came from Old English cyssan (“to kiss”), in turn from coss (“a kiss”).
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Caress
Physical intimacy is sensual proximity or touching. It is an act or reaction, such as an expression of feelings (including close friendship, platonic love, romantic love or sexual attraction), between people. Examples of physical intimacy include being inside someone’s personal space, holding hands, hugging, kissing, caressing and sexual activity.
It is possible to be physically intimate with someone without actually touching them; however, a certain proximity is necessary. For instance, a sustained eye contact is considered a form of physical intimacy, analogous to touching. When a person enters someone else’s personal space for the purpose of being intimate, it is physical intimacy, regardless of the lack of actual physical contact.
Most people partake in physical intimacy, which is a natural part of interpersonal relationships and human sexuality, and research has shown it has health benefits. A hug or touch can result in the release of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, and in a reduction in stress hormones.
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Kiss (verb)
To touch with the lips or press the lips against, usually to express love or affection or passion, or as part of a greeting.
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Kiss (verb)
To touch lightly or slightly; to come into contact.
“ux|en|The nearside of the car just kissed a parked truck as he took the corner {{at high speed.”
“His ball kissed the black into the corner pocket.}}”
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Kiss (verb)
Of two or more people, to touch each other’s lips together, usually to express love or affection or passion.
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Kiss (verb)
To mark a cross (X) after one’s name on a card, etc.
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Kiss (noun)
A touch with the lips, usually to express love or affection, or as a greeting.
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Kiss (noun)
An ‘X’ mark placed at the end of a letter or other type of message.
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Kiss (noun)
A type of filled chocolate candy, shaped as if someone had kissed the top. See Hershey’s Kisses.
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Caress (noun)
An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness. from 1640s
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Caress (noun)
A gentle stroking or rubbing.
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Caress (verb)
To touch or kiss lovingly; to fondle.
“hold|soothe|stroke|kiss”
“She loves being caressed by her boyfriend.”
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Caress (verb)
To affect as if with a caress.
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Kiss (verb)
touch or caress with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, or greeting
“we started kissing”
“she kissed the children goodnight”
“he kissed her on the lips”
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Kiss (verb)
(of a ball) lightly touch (another ball) in passing.
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Kiss (noun)
a touch or caress with the lips
“a quick kiss on the cheek”
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Kiss (noun)
used to express affection at the end of a letter (conventionally represented by the letter X)
“she sent lots of love and a whole line of kisses”
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Kiss (noun)
a slight touch of a ball against another ball.
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Kiss (noun)
a small cake, biscuit, or sweet.
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Caress (verb)
touch or stroke gently or lovingly
“a gentle breeze caressed his skin”
“she caressed the girl’s forehead”
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Caress (noun)
a gentle or loving touch
“she felt the caress of his breath on her cheek”