Struck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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struck

[strสŒk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical impact

The term 'struck' is the past tense of the verb 'strike.' It refers to hitting or impacting someone or something with force. This term can apply in various contexts, such as physical attacks, emotional responses, or striking a deal. It is often used to signify an action that causes a noticeable effect, like being struck by a ball or struck by an idea.

Synonyms

bump, collide, hit, smite.

Examples of usage

  • He struck the ball with his bat.
  • She was struck by a sudden realization.
  • The lightning struck the tree.
  • The team was struck with a motivation to win.
  • He struck a deal with the vendors.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional impact

In a more figurative sense, 'struck' can describe a strong emotional or psychological impact. For example, someone might feel struck by a feeling of sadness or happiness, indicating an intense, often sudden, emotional response. It evokes imagery of being caught off-guard by strong feelings.

Synonyms

affected, impressed, moved, touched.

Examples of usage

  • She was struck with sadness when she heard the news.
  • He was struck by the beauty of the landscape.
  • They were struck emotionally by the film's ending.
  • The news struck him hard.
  • I was struck by her kindness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'struck' often conveys moments of realization or deep emotion, such as characters being struck by the truth.
  • Famous works, including Shakespeare's plays, use the term to describe intense feelings experienced by characters.
  • Poetry frequently employs the word to evoke powerful imagery of sudden impact or love at first sight.

Psychology

  • 'Struck by an idea' reflects cognitive phenomena where sudden insights occur during problem solving, known as 'Aha moments.'
  • In psychology, being 'struck' emotionally can lead to profound changes in behavior and perception.
  • The concept of being struck by fear or joy highlights how quickly emotions can shift in response to stimuli.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters might be 'struck' by love or fate, illustrating dramatic turning points in the storyline.
  • Song lyrics often feature the idea of being struck by feelings, making it relatable to audiences seeking connection.
  • The phrase 'struck down' is common in stories, often symbolizing defeat or a sudden change of fortune.

History

  • Throughout history, people have described events as being 'struck' by disasters, emphasizing their unexpected nature.
  • The term has been used in battle descriptions, where armies might be struck hard by an enemy attack.
  • Natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, are often described in historical texts as communities being struck and forever changed.

Origin of 'struck'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'struck' comes from the Old English 'strocan,' which means to hit or strike.
  • Historically, it has been used to describe both physical impact and emotional effects throughout various texts.
  • The past tense form became popular in the 14th century, illustrating how actions were completed.

The word 'struck' originates from the Old English term 'strican,' which meant 'to stroke' or 'to hit.' Over time, it evolved in usage and became linked to a broader array of meanings, particularly in terms of exerting force upon an object or person. Interestingly, its use in English has spoiled across various dialects, while also adapting to different contextsโ€”both physical and metaphorical. This term has historical roots that trace back to earlier Germanic languages, reflecting similar standards of forceful contact, and it has retained a persistent relevance in modern English, embodying various facets of impact and emotion. Furthermore, 'strike' as its base form carries implications beyond merely physical encounters, reinforcing its versatility in everyday language.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,312, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.