Stroke

/stroʊk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A single movement or an act of hitting or touching something.
The artist made a swift stroke of the brush across the canvas.
A sudden physical attack on the brain, causing damage to the blood vessels.
He suffered a stroke last year, but has since made a remarkable recovery.
An instance of swimming, especially one complete movement of a swimmer's arms and legs.
She perfected her freestyle stroke to compete in the championship.
A decisive action or a significant impact.
His generous donation was a stroke of genius for the charity.
verb
To move one's hand over a surface in a gentle or sweeping manner.
She gently stroked the cat's fur, calming it down.
To hit or strike something, usually with a gentle or deliberate movement.
He stroked the ball softly to send it rolling across the green.
To bring about or cause something, especially in a figurative sense.
The teacher managed to stroke his interest in reading by introducing exciting books.

Etymology

Middle English; from Old English 'stroka', a variant of 'strūcan' meaning to strive or struggle.

Common Phrases and Expressions

stroke of luck:
An unexpected fortunate occurrence.
stroke of genius:
A particularly clever or inspired idea.
at one stroke:
All at once; in a single action.
stroke out:
To delete or cross out something.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To cuddle or caress.
They were just sitting there, stroking each other's arms.
An act of pleasing someone deliberately.
He tried to stroke his boss's ego to get a promotion.