pat
v. A2 Elementary US //ˈpæt// UK //pˈæt// pat
v. to touch someone or something gently with the flat part of your hand. You usually do this to show love, to say well done, or to comfort a friend.
v. to strike lightly and repeatedly with the palm of the hand or flat of the fingers. Often used to express affection, approval, or consolation.
She gave the dog a gentle pat on the head.
The coach walked over to pat the player on the shoulder after the tough loss.
He reached out to pat the ancient stone wall, feeling the rough texture of the granite that had stood for centuries against the coastal winds.
Usage
Transitive verb; typically takes a direct object representing the person or animal being touched.