stoke
stoke
UK[stəʊk]US[stoʊk]
v
to add fuel to a fire, furnace, or other source of heat to make it burn more strongly
v
to encourage or incite strong feelings, especially of an unpleasant or dangerous kind
Etymology
the verb 'stoke' originates from the dutch word 'stoken', meaning 'to poke, stir up, or stoke a fire'. this dutch term is likely related to middle low german 'stōken' and old high german 'stoc', meaning 'a stick' or 'to thrust', which connects to the action of poking a fire. the word entered english in the 17th century, specifically from the nautical term 'stoker', referring to a person who tends a furnace on a ship. the core logic of the word has always been tied to the act of feeding and agitating a fire, a literal meaning that was later extended metaphorically to the act of feeding or inciting emotions, conflicts, or activity.
Analysis
the word 'stoke' is a simplex form derived from a back-formation. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.
Examples
he used a long iron rod to stoke the coals in the forge.
the politician's speech served only to stoke fear and division among the populace.
she added another log to stoke the campfire as the evening grew colder.