pat1

Syllabification: (pat)

Pronunciation: /pat/

Definition of pat

[with object]

touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand:he patted him consolingly on the shoulder [with object and complement]:a nurse washed her all over and patted her dry
draw attention to (something) by tapping it gently:he patted the bench beside him and I sat down
mold into shape or put in position with gentle taps:she patted down the earth in each pot

1a light stroke with the hand:giving him a friendly pat on the arm, she went off to join the others

Phrases

a pat on the back: an expression of approval or congratulation:they deserve a pat on the back for a job well done
pat someone on the back: express approval of or admiration for someone:she needs her own claque to applaud and pat her on the back

pat someone down: (of a police officer or security official) pass the hands over someone’s clothing in a search for concealed items such as weapons or illegal drugs.

late Middle English (as a noun denoting a blow with something flat): probably imitative. The verb dates from the mid 16th century

Definition of pat in the British & World English dictionary