Strike: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when talking about a deliberate and often precise action, like in sports or in situations where something or someone is intentionally being hit.

• The boxer delivered a powerful strike to his opponent.
• Lightning can strike a tree and set it on fire.

A general term that can be used in various situations to describe making contact with something or someone, often without specifying the force or precision.

• She hit the ball with the bat.
• He accidentally hit his head on the low ceiling.

Describes a very forceful hit that typically results in breaking or shattering something.

• The vase smashed into pieces when it fell.
• He smashed the window with a rock.

Usually used to describe forceful, often noisy contact, such as closing a door or putting something down heavily.

• He slammed the car door shut.
• She slammed the book on the table in frustration.

Informal and often used to describe a quick, sudden hit, sometimes implying a playful or not seriously harmful action.

• He gave the ball a good whack.
• She whacked him on the back as a joke.

This word can also be used in the context of workers stopping work to protest, typically known as a labor strike.

• The workers decided to go on strike for better pay.
• The strike lasted for two weeks.

This word is suitable for situations where you want to describe how something changes or influences another thing, typically in a more general or less forceful way.

• The new law will affect many people.
• The rain affected our plans for the picnic.

Use this word to describe a strong effect or influence something has on another thing, often used in contexts where the change is significant or noticeable.

• The new policy had a major impact on the community.
• The pandemic impacted businesses worldwide.

This word is best for describing a more subtle or gradual effect that one thing has on another over time.

• His parents greatly influenced his career choice.
• The book influenced her way of thinking.

This word is appropriate when describing emotional or physical movement caused by an event or action. It can also refer to making progress or changing position.

• The speech moved the audience to tears.
• He was moved by her kindness.