Stroke (one's) ego verb phrase
To flatter and praise someone in order to make them feel good, especially because you want something from them
Feel free to give me honest feedback instead of saying nice words to stroke my ego.
He likes living in an illusion and wants others to stroke his ego.
He knows nothing about this problem but stroke his boss's ego.
When the manager gets angry, Sue will try to soothe her and stroke her ego.
Used to compliment or praise someone for doing something, or being a very special person or an invaluable person
The most prestigious praise that one can receive
Used to give praise to somebody.
To praise, admire, or respect someone or something in a public way
To fawn over or flatter someone, especially someone in greater authority.
It's mostly used in the present tense.