English Verbs Referring to "Body Language and Acts of Affection"

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to body language and acts of affection such as "gesture", "wink", and "cuddle".

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Verbs of Physical and Social Lifestyle

to express a meaning with a movement of the hands, face, head, etc.

Ex: During the negotiation , they gestured towards the proposed terms on the whiteboard .
to nod [verb]

to move one's head up and down as a sign of agreement, understanding, or greeting

Ex: The audience nodded in understanding as the speaker explained the concept .

to make a quick and involuntary movement in response to a surprise, pain, or fear

Ex: When the door slammed , he flinched in surprise .

to make small, restless movements or gestures due to nervousness or impatience

Ex: He always fidgets with his phone when he 's waiting for someone to reply to his message .

to draw back involuntarily, often in response to fear, pain, embarrassment, or discomfort

Ex:
to nudge [verb]

to gently push or prod someone or something, often to get attention or suggest a course of action

Ex: Yesterday , she discreetly nudged him to remind him of their lunch appointment .
to wave [verb]

to raise one's hand and move it from side to side to greet someone or attract their attention

Ex: From the balcony , they waved to their friends waiting below .
to wink [verb]

to quickly open and close one eye as a sign of affection or to indicate something is a secret or a joke

Ex:
to frown [verb]

to bring your eyebrows closer together showing anger, sadness, or confusion

Ex: The baby started to frown when the loud noise interrupted her nap .
to shrug [verb]

to momentarily raise one's shoulders to express indifference

Ex: Seeing the puzzled expression on her face , he shrugged and explained that he was n't sure himself .

to move in an uncomfortable or restless manner with twisting or contorted motions

Ex: During the tense meeting , he could n't control the urge to squirm in his seat .
to pout [verb]

to push out one's lips as an expression of displeasure, anger, or sadness

Ex: The toddler began to pout when denied a second cookie .

to twist our face in an ugly way because of pain, strong dislike, etc., or when trying to be funny

Ex: She grimaced at the taste of the bitter medicine .
to kiss [verb]

to touch someone else's lips or other body parts with one's lips to show love, sexual desire, respect, etc.

Ex: The actors are kissing in the romantic scene of the movie .
to peck [verb]

to give a quick and light kiss

Ex: To express gratitude , he pecked his friend on the cheek after receiving a thoughtful gift .
to buss [verb]

to kiss briefly and affectionately

Ex: As a gesture of friendship , they bussed each other on the cheek .
to snog [verb]

to kiss passionately and intimately

Ex: The teenagers giggled as they snogged behind the school building .

to engage in affectionate and intimate behavior, such as hugging, kissing, or cuddling

Ex: In the dimly lit restaurant , the pair could n't resist canoodling .
to hug [verb]

to tightly and closely hold someone in one's arms, typically a person one loves

Ex: As a sign of support , he gently hugged his friend who was going through a tough time .

to hold someone tightly in one's arms, especially to show affection

Ex: At their wedding , the couple paused to embrace each other , sealing their commitment with a loving hug .

to hold close in one's arms or embrace affectionately, especially in a loving or comforting manner

Ex: The child asked their parent to cuddle them before bedtime , seeking comfort and reassurance .
to hold [verb]

to put one's arms around the body of another person

Ex: The couple held each other tightly , dancing to their favorite song .

to hold someone or something in one's arms or hands gently and carefully

Ex: The grandmother lovingly cradled the kitten in her hands .

to touch in a gentle and loving way

Ex: In a moment of intimacy , they caressed each other 's hands .

to touch or handle tenderly and affectionately

Ex: In a moment of passion , he fondled her hair and whispered sweet words .

to kiss lovingly or passionately

Ex: Feeling the connection , they smooched before parting ways .