strike
• verb (past and past part. struck) 1 deliver a blow to. 2 come into forcible contact with. 3 (in sport) hit or kick (a ball) so as to score a run, point, or goal. 4 ignite (a match) by rubbing it briskly against an abrasive surface. 5 (of a disaster, disease, etc.) occur suddenly and have harmful effects on. 6 attack suddenly. 7 (strike into) cause (a strong emotion) in. 8 cause to become suddenly: he was struck dumb. 9 suddenly come into the mind of. (strike on/upon) discover or think of, especially unexpectedly. (be struck by/with) find particularly interesting or impressive. (of employees) refuse to work as a form of organized protest. cancel or remove by crossing out with a pen. (strike off) officially remove (someone) from membership of a professional group. move or proceed vigorously or purposefully. (strike out) start out on a new or independent course. reach (an agreement, balance, or compromise). (of a clock) indicate the time by sounding a chime or stroke. make (a coin or medal) by stamping metal. discover (gold, minerals, or oil) by drilling or mining. take down or dismantle (a tent, camp, or theatrical scenery). • noun 1 an act of striking by employees. 2 a refusal to do something as an organized protest: a rent strike. 3 a sudden attack. 4 (in sport) an act of striking a ball. 5 (in tenpin bowling) an act of knocking down all the pins with one’s first ball. 6 an act of striking gold, minerals, or oil. — PHRASES strike an attitude (or pose) hold one’s body in a particular position to create an impression. strike a blow for (or against) do something to help (or hinder) a cause, belief, or principle. strike up 1 begin to play a piece of music. 2 begin (a friendship or conversation) with someone. strike while the iron is hot make use of an opportunity immediately. with reference to smithing. — ORIGIN Old English, go, flow and rub lightly .
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