stroke
stroke Lexical Profile
stroke Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, severe medical condition caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel in the brain, resulting in a loss of blood flow and often leading to paralysis or impaired speech.
"Quick medical intervention after a stroke can significantly improve a patient's recovery."
An act of moving one's hand gently and repeatedly across a surface, especially to comfort or show affection.
"The cat began to purr after just a few gentle strokes along its back."
A single movement or mark made by a pen, pencil, or paintbrush.
"With a few bold strokes of charcoal, the artist sketched the outline of the mountains."
A specific style or method of moving the arms and legs in swimming, or a single complete movement in rowing, tennis, or golf.
"The butterfly is widely considered the most physically demanding swimming stroke."
A sudden, notable occurrence or action having a strong effect, such as a piece of luck or a brilliant idea.
"Finding that rare book at the flea market was a remarkable stroke of luck."
• verb
To move one's hand gently and repeatedly over a surface, hair, or fur, typically out of affection or to soothe.
"She sat by the fireplace and gently stroked the sleeping dog's head."
To flatter, reassure, or attentively soothe someone's ego or feelings in order to keep them pleased.
"The manager knew just how to stroke the client's ego during the negotiation."
To hit or propel a ball smoothly and deliberately in sports such as golf, tennis, or cricket, or to row a boat at a specific pace.
"He stroked the ball cleanly across the grass and into the far corner of the court."
• Rhymes for stroke
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
As a noun meaning a blow or strike, it derives from Middle English strok, related to Old English strican ('to go, move, or pass lightly over'). As a verb meaning to caress, it comes directly from Old English stracian, sharing the same Proto-Germanic root *strikan.