This is the 3109th most frequent Portuguese word.
bate
"Hits" or "beats."
Here, 'bate' is used to mean 'knocks', referring to the action of striking lightly on the door.
Ele bate na porta antes de entrar.
He knocks on the door before entering.
In this example, 'bate' conveys the action of 'beats', referring to the rhythmic function of the heart.
O coração dela bate rápido quando está nervosa.
Her heart beats fast when she's nervous.
In this usage, 'bate' means 'hits', referring to the action of striking the ball with force.