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Strike: meaning, definitions and examples

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strike

[strʌɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in sports

Hit forcibly and deliberately towards a specified target or area.

Synonyms

hit, slam, smash, whack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strike

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.
hit

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.
smash

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.
slam

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.
whack

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.

Examples of usage

  • He struck the ball into the net.
  • The bowler struck the stumps with a fast delivery.
  • The tennis player struck a powerful serve.
Context #2 | Verb

in work

Cause (a person) to be in a particular state.

Synonyms

affect, impact, influence, move.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strike

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.
affect

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.
impact

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.
influence

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.
move

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.

Examples of usage

  • The news struck her as funny.
  • The idea struck me as interesting.
  • The thought of failure struck fear into his heart.
Context #3 | Noun

labor

A refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.

Synonyms

industrial action, protest, walkout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strike

Used when workers stop working to demand better conditions or pay.

  • The factory workers decided to go on strike for higher wages
protest

A general term for public demonstrations against policies, actions, or situations; not limited to labor issues.

  • The citizens organized a protest against the government's new tax laws
walkout

Describes a sudden and informal stop to work by employees as a form of protest, often without prior notice.

  • The employees staged a walkout due to the unsafe working conditions
industrial action

A formal or technical term referring to any form of collective action by workers (e.g., strikes, go-slows) to enforce demands.

  • The union announced an industrial action to improve the workers' health benefits

Examples of usage

  • The workers went on strike to demand higher wages.
  • The strike lasted for several weeks before an agreement was reached.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'strican' which means to stroke or touch gently.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to include hitting, reflecting how language changes with usage.
  • In different contexts, 'strike' can form compound words such as 'strikeout' in baseball or 'strike price' in finance.

Cultural Significance

  • Strikes have been a crucial part of labor rights movements, often leading to important changes in workers' conditions.
  • In cinema, strikes in movies depict moments of tension where characters demonstrate their rebellion or desire for change.
  • The term is also used in sports, such as striking in combat sports or when a player misses a chance to score in games.

Pop Culture

  • The famous 'I am on strike!' sign often appears in movies to signify protest and demands for change.
  • Songs about striking often address social issues, highlighting collective struggles and aspirations for equality.
  • Television shows often dramatize strike actions to create tension in storylines, showcasing the plight of workers.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, a 'strike' can refer to removing a case from the court's calendar due to its ineffectiveness.
  • Some jurisdictions have established laws that protect the right to strike for workers in order to maintain fair labor practices.
  • Strikes in labor law require specific procedures to ensure they are recognized legally, emphasizing worker rights.

Psychology

  • The reaction to a 'striking' event, like a sudden decision, often triggers a fight or flight response in individuals.
  • Engaging in strikes can be seen as a behavior that reflects one's assertiveness and need for change.
  • Psychological studies indicate that striking can serve as an emotional outlet for expressing frustration.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,855, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.