Strike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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strike
[strʌɪk ]
Definitions
in sports
Hit forcibly and deliberately towards a specified target or area.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| smash |
Describes a very forceful hit that typically results in breaking or shattering something.
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| slam |
Usually used to describe forceful, often noisy contact, such as closing a door or putting something down heavily.
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| whack |
Informal and often used to describe a quick, sudden hit, sometimes implying a playful or not seriously harmful action.
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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.
in work
Cause (a person) to be in a particular state.
Synonyms
affect, impact, influence, move.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| influence |
This word is best for describing a more subtle or gradual effect that one thing has on another over time.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The news struck her as funny.
- The idea struck me as interesting.
- The thought of failure struck fear into his heart.
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| strike |
Used when workers stop working to demand better conditions or pay.
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| protest |
A general term for public demonstrations against policies, actions, or situations; not limited to labor issues.
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| walkout |
Describes a sudden and informal stop to work by employees as a form of protest, often without prior notice.
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| industrial action |
A formal or technical term referring to any form of collective action by workers (e.g., strikes, go-slows) to enforce demands.
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Examples of usage
- The workers went on strike to demand higher wages.
- The strike lasted for several weeks before an agreement was reached.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'strike'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'strike' originated from the Old English word 'strīcian', meaning 'to stroke or smooth'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include hitting forcefully, causing an impact, and organizing protests. In the context of labor strikes, the term gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution when workers collectively protested for better working conditions and fair wages.
See also: striker, strikes, striking, strikingly.