verb to groom oneself carefully or pridefully; to clean or tidy oneself
Models often preen themselves before a photoshoot or runway show to ensure they look their best.
Preening behavior in animals, such as primates, can be a sign of self-care and social bonding.
Birds preen their feathers to keep them clean and in good condition.
People preen themselves by fixing their hair, adjusting their clothing, or checking their appearance in a mirror.
Taking time to preen oneself can be a form of self-care and relaxation.
In writing, 'preen' can be used to describe a character grooming themselves or taking pride in their appearance or actions.
Psychologists may use 'preen' metaphorically to describe behaviors related to self-esteem or narcissism in their clients.