stroke

A sudden medical emergency when blood flow in the brain is blocked or a brain blood vessel breaks.

• His father had a stroke.
• She is recovering from a stroke.
• Sudden difficulty speaking can be a sign of stroke.

Similar words: CVA

Common phrases: have a stroke, suffer a stroke, stroke symptoms, stroke recovery

A movement in which you hit something, especially a ball in a game.

• She hit the ball with a gentle stroke.
• He practised his tennis strokes every day.
• That final stroke sent the ball over the net.

Similar words: hit, shot, blow

Common phrases: a gentle stroke, a tennis stroke, a golf stroke, play a stroke

A sudden event that brings good or bad luck.

• It was a stroke of luck.
• By a lucky stroke, we found the missing key.
• That stroke of bad luck cost him his job.

How to use it: a stroke of something (A stroke of good fortune saved our business.)

Similar words: turn, chance event

Common phrases: stroke of luck, stroke of fortune, lucky stroke

One hit with a hand, tool, or weapon.

• One stroke broke the branch.
• He struck the nail with three firm strokes.
• A stroke from the sword damaged his shield.

How to use it: a stroke of something (One stroke of the axe split the wood.)

Similar words: blow, hit

Common phrases: heavy stroke, single stroke, stroke of something

A gentle movement of your hand over someone or something.

• The cat enjoyed a gentle stroke.
• She gave the dog's back a few strokes.
• A soft stroke across his cheek woke him.

Similar words: caress

Common phrases: gentle stroke, give a stroke, soft stroke

The rower who sets the speed and rhythm for the other rowers in a boat.

• Maya is our stroke.
• The stroke kept a steady rhythm.
• They chose their most experienced rower as stroke.

Similar words: stroke oar

Common phrases: the crew’s stroke, row at stroke, an experienced stroke

To move your hand gently over someone or something.

• Can I stroke your dog?
• She stroked his hair while he slept.
• He strokes the cat every evening.

Similar words: caress, pet

Common phrases: stroke a cat, stroke someone's hair, stroke someone's cheek

To sit nearest the back of a rowing boat and set the speed for the other rowers.

• Anna will stroke the boat.
• He stroked our crew during the final race.
• Who usually strokes the college eight?

Common phrases: stroke a boat, stroke the crew, stroke the eight