1 pat
Pronounced:
/ˈpæt/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
pats; pat·ted; pat·tingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to lightly touch (someone or something) with your hand usually several times in order to show affection or approval or to provide comfort ▪ The child gently patted the dog's head. ▪ He patted my knee and told me everything would be fine. —often + on ▪ He patted me on my knee.
2 a : to flatten, smooth, or shape (something) by lightly pressing on it with your hand ▪ He patted his hair down. ▪ She patted the dough into a square. b : to lightly press (something) several times until it is dry ▪ He patted the lettuce dry with a paper towel.
2 a : to flatten, smooth, or shape (something) by lightly pressing on it with your hand ▪ He patted his hair down. ▪ She patted the dough into a square. b : to lightly press (something) several times until it is dry ▪ He patted the lettuce dry with a paper towel.
pat down [phrasal verb]
pat (someone) down or pat down (someone) US : to move your hands over (someone) in order to search for something (such as a weapon) that may be hidden in clothing ▪ The police patted the suspect down at the scene.
pat (someone) on the back
: to praise or give credit to (someone) for doing good work ▪ They deserve to be patted on the back for the way they've handled this problem. ▪ You should pat yourselves on the back for doing such a great job.