strike
STRYK
/straɪk/
To hit forcibly and deliberately with one's hand or a weapon or other implement.
In martial arts, it is a broad term covering punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'strican,' which originally meant 'to rub, wipe, or smooth,' and also 'to go or move.' The meaning of 'hitting' didn't develop until around the year 1300, likely from the idea of 'moving' a weapon quickly.
Word relationships
- hit: Hit is common and simple; strike is more deliberate and often more forceful.
- blow: A blow is the noun for the impact; strike is both the action and the impact.
- miss: To miss is to fail to hit, the opposite of a successful strike.
- caress: A caress is a gentle touch, the opposite of a forceful strike.
Commonly confused with
- stroke: A stroke is a gentle movement or a medical event; a strike is a forceful hit.
Word family
- striker (noun): A person or thing that strikes, or a specific position in soccer.
Collocations
- preemptive strike
- strike a balance
- lightning strike
Idioms & expressions
- strike a chord
- strike it rich
Example sentences
- "Strike while the iron is hot." A common proverb. (Proverb)
- "He waited for the perfect moment to strike, catching his opponent off guard." Describing a fight.
Memory hook
A 'strike' happens in a 'streak' of lightning. Strike = Hit hard.
When not to use
In a labor context, it means 'refusing to work,' so check the context.
Fun facts
- In bowling, a 'strike' is when you knock down all ten pins with your first ball.
Also appears in
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