Word: stroke (noun)

Associations

A "stroke" can refer to a few different things, but commonly, it means a sudden attack that affects the brain or a movement in sports or art. Here are some common uses:

• In medicine, a stroke is when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage. For example, "He suffered a stroke and needed immediate medical attention."
• In sports, a stroke refers to a single movement, like in swimming or rowing. For example, "She has a powerful stroke that helps her swim faster."
• In art, a stroke can refer to a mark made with a brush. For example, "The artist used broad strokes to create texture in the painting."

The synonym "attack" can refer to a sudden onset of a medical issue, but it is broader and can apply to various situations, while "stroke" specifically refers to a brain issue or a precise movement.

Substitution

Depending on the context, you could use:

• "attack" in a medical context (e.g., "He had a heart attack" vs. "He had a stroke").
• "movement" in sports (e.g., "She made a quick movement" vs. "She made a quick stroke").
• "mark" in art (e.g., "He made a bold mark" vs. "He made a bold stroke").

Deconstruction

The word "stroke" comes from the Old English "stracian," which means to strike or hit. It has roots in various languages, including Germanic languages. The word has kept a similar meaning throughout history, relating to a movement or an impact.

Inquiry

Think about these questions:

• Have you ever seen someone use a powerful stroke in sports? What sport was it?
• Can you recall a time when you learned about someone suffering from a stroke? What did you learn about it?
• How do you think the meaning of "stroke" changes in different contexts, like medicine versus art?