To add fuel or make a fire burn stronger.
Stoking a fire is usually a good thing because it makes the fire warmer.
Examples:
He stokes the fire to make it warmer.
She stokes the barbecue to cook the food faster.
The firefighter stokes the fire to save the house.
The little boy stokes the campfire and makes it too hot.
She stokes the fireplace until it's as hot as the sun.
He stokes the bonfire and everyone feels warm.
To encourage or stir up an emotion or feeling.
Stoking emotions can be good or bad, depending on the emotion being stirred up.
Examples:
The speaker stokes the crowd's excitement with his words.
She stokes fear in her little brother with scary stories.
The politician stokes anger in the people with his speech.
He stokes curiosity in the children with a mysterious box.
The movie stokes sadness in the audience.
The music stokes happiness in everyone who listens.