Stroking

/ˈstroʊ.kɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

Present participle of the verb stroke; to move one’s hand with gentle pressure over something.

She was stroking the cat softly while it purred in her lap.

To strike or hit lightly; to move in a manner that creates a soothing effect.

He was stroking the surface of the water with his fingers as he sat by the pond.

To caress or fondle in a gentle manner.

The mother was stroking her baby’s head to help him fall asleep.

To express approval or admiration in a flattering way.

The manager was stroking the employee’s ego with constant praise for her performance.

Derived from the Old English 'strokan', meaning to stroke or touch.

stroking one's ego:

To flatter someone to boost their self-esteem.

get stroked:

To receive affection or praise.

stroked out:

To be exhausted or drained, often used informally.

Stroking in a playful or suggestive context.

He was just stroking her ego to get what he wanted.

Using 'stroking' to refer to excessive flattery.

Everyone knows he's just stroking to get on the boss's good side.