kiss

A kiss is the touching or pressing of one's lips against another person, animal, or object. The cultural connotations associated with kissing vary significantly between different societies and contexts. Depending on the culture and circumstances, a kiss can express a wide range of emotions, such as love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, sexual arousal, affection, respect, a wish for peace or good luck, as well as numerous other meanings. In some situations, kissing takes on the function of a greeting or a ritual, formal, or symbolic gesture indicating religious devotion, institutional respect, or an act of sacramental nature.