A movement of the upper torso and arms for the purpose of striking a ball, as in golf or tennis, The manner of executing such a movement, A distinctive effect or deft touch, as in literary composition, intransitive verb_ To mark with a single short line, To hit or propel (a ball, for example) with a smoothly regulated swing, To make or perform a stroke, transitive verb_ informal To behave attentively or flatteringly toward (someone), especially in order to restore confidence or gain cooperation, To rub lightly with or as if with the hand or something held in the hand; caress. synonym_ caress