Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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strike, strikes, striking, struck

Synonyms: hit, smite, punch, beat, attack

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Antonyms: miss, defend, protect, caress, soothe

The Verb Strike – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb strike is a versatile irregular verb. Its core meaning is to hit something forcefully. It also has key meanings related to work stoppages, sudden thoughts, and the lighting of a match.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: strike
■ Past Simple: struck
■ Past Participle: struck (or stricken)
■ Present Participle/Gerund: striking


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Strike' is a powerful verb with many important uses.


1. To Hit Forcefully
This can be with a hand, weapon, or by an object.


■ Action: 'The boxer struck his opponent with a powerful jab.'
■ Natural Event: 'Lightning struck the old tree.'


2. Work Stoppage
This refers to a collective refusal to work as a form of protest.


■ Labor: 'The pilots are threatening to strike over pay conditions.'


3. A Sudden Realization
This describes an idea or thought that suddenly comes to mind.


■ Idea: 'A brilliant idea suddenly struck me.'
■ Impression: 'How does the plan strike you?' (How do you feel about it?)


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'STRUCK' VS. 'STRICKEN'


The two past participle forms have different uses.


■ Struck: This is the standard past participle for most meanings (hitting, ideas, work stoppages).
■ Example: 'He was struck by a falling rock.'


■ Stricken: This form is used as an adjective or participle to mean 'seriously affected by an unpleasant feeling, illness, or problem.'
■ Example: 'She was stricken with grief.' / 'The region is poverty-stricken.'