poking
UK[ˈpəʊkɪŋ]US[ˈpoʊkɪŋ]
v
(present participle) to push a finger or other pointed object quickly into someone or something
v
(present participle) to (cause something to) appear or stretch out through an opening or beyond an edge or surface
Etymology
The verb 'poke' originates from Middle English 'poken', which is likely of Germanic origin, possibly related to Middle Dutch 'poken' meaning 'to prod' or 'to poke'. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be imitative of a quick, prodding action. The '-ing' suffix is the common Germanic present participle ending, used to form continuous verb forms or gerunds. Thus, 'poking' literally describes the ongoing action of prodding or jabbing, a sense that has remained consistent from its probable onomatopoeic or imitative roots to its modern usage.
Analysis
The word 'poking' is the present participle or gerund form of the verb 'poke'. It is not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English. The core 'poke' is a simplex unit.
Examples
She was poking the fire with a stick to make it burn brighter.
I saw a branch poking through the fence into our yard.
Stop poking your brother; it's annoying.