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to stroke; to caress; to brush gently; to pat; to rub
to comb (hair); to smooth down
子供の頭を優しく撫でて褒めてあげた。
I gently stroked the child's head.
猫が撫でられて気持ちよさそうだ。
The cat seems to feel good being petted.
彼女は愛犬の背中を優しく撫でていた。
She was petting the dog's back.