knead

/niːd/
verb
  1. To press, fold, and stretch dough or clay with your hands to make it smooth and ready to use.
    • She kneaded the bread dough for ten minutes until it was soft and elastic.
    • You need to knead the pizza dough gently so it doesn't become tough.
    • The potter kneaded the clay to remove any air bubbles before shaping it.
  2. To press and squeeze a part of the body, like muscles, to relax them or help healing.
    • She gently kneaded the baby's back to help him fall asleep.
    • He kneaded his sore calf after the long run to ease the cramp.
    • The therapist kneaded the tight muscles in my shoulders during the massage.
  3. To shape or influence something by persistent effort or pressure.
    • The coach kneaded the team into a disciplined unit through months of practice.
    • Years of experience kneaded her raw talent into polished skill.
    • He kneaded the soft metal into a delicate bracelet.
What does "knead" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean