Crossword Genius

Stroke initially soothing after worries (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caress

'stroke' is the definition.
('caress' can be a synonym of 'stroke')

'initially soothing after worries' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'worries' becomes 'cares' (I've seen this before).
The initial letter of 'soothing' is 's'.
's' put after 'cares' is 'CARESS'.

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Stroke fondly" , "Stroke gently" , "pet[s]" , "Scares with loving gesture" , "Stroke affectionately" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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