A poke is a jab or a sharp push, usually with something thin or pointed, like a finger, a stick, or even an elbow.

The main idea behind a poke is a prodding action that creates a depression or hole, as when you poke someone in the ribs with your finger. It can also mean a quick, sharp movement, like when a turtle pokes its head out of its shell. Still, the word often has a less-than-pleasant feeling to it, like something not really dangerous but still annoying. We often say a tolerable experience is "better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick." It can also take on a more figurative meaning — when you "poke your nose into someone else's business," it means that you are intruding in another's private matters.

Definitions of poke
  1. verb
    poke or thrust abruptly
    synonyms: dig, jab, prod, stab
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    type of:
    push forcefully
  2. verb
    hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument
    synonyms: pound, thump
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    type of:
  3. verb
    stir by poking
    poke the embers in the fireplace”
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    type of:
    change the arrangement or position of
  4. verb
    make a hole by poking
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    type of:
    make a hole into
  5. noun
    a sharp hand gesture
    synonyms: jab, jabbing, poking, thrust, thrusting
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    type of:
  6. noun
    (boxing) a blow with the fist
    synonyms: biff, clout, lick, punch, slug
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    counter, counterpunch, parry
    a return punch (especially by a boxer)
    KO punch, Sunday punch, haymaker, knockout punch
    a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing
    a short swinging punch delivered from the side with the elbow bent
    a quick short straight punch
    rabbit punch
    a short chopping blow to the back of the neck
    sucker punch
    an unexpected punch
    a hook delivered with an exaggerated swing
    type of:
    blow, buffet
    a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
  7. verb
    search or inquire in a meddlesome way
    synonyms: horn in, intrude, nose, pry
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    type of:
    look, search
    search or seek
  8. noun
    synonyms: Phytolacca americana, garget, pigeon berry, scoke
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    type of:
    perennial of the genus Phytolacca
  9. noun
    someone who takes more time than necessary; someone who lags behind
    synonyms: dawdler, drone, laggard, lagger, trailer
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    lingerer, loiterer
    someone who lingers aimlessly in or about a place
    someone who moves slowly
    potterer, putterer
    a person who putters about
    straggler, strayer
    someone who strays or falls behind
    type of:
    bum, do-nothing, idler, layabout, loafer
    person who does no work
  10. noun
    a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
    synonyms: carrier bag, paper bag, sack
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    doggie bag, doggy bag
    grocery bag
    a sack for holding customer's groceries
    type of:
    a flexible container with a single opening
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