STRIKE

Definition of STRIKE

STRIKE Noun and Verb

Strike can function both as a noun and a verb, depending on the context. As a noun, it refers to a collective action taken by workers to stop work in protest over issues such as wages, working conditions, or policies. As a verb, it refers to the act of hitting or attacking something with force, or the action of participating in a work stoppage.

STRIKE as a noun

Work Stoppage or Protest: A strike is a collective and organized action taken by workers to stop working as a form of protest, usually against unfair labor conditions, wages, or treatment by employers. Strikes are often carried out to force negotiations or bring about change. For example, “The workers went on strike to demand better wages and working conditions.”

Disruption in a Process or Activity: In a broader sense, a strike can refer to any form of disruption or interruption in a planned or ongoing process. This usage emphasizes how the stoppage affects the usual functioning of a system. For instance, “A lightning strike caused a power outage in the entire neighborhood.”

Military or Tactical Attack: In military contexts, strike refers to a sudden and forceful attack, often using weapons or coordinated maneuvers to target a specific objective. It conveys the idea of precision and intent in the assault. For example, “The air strike successfully hit its intended target.”

Sports Action or Event: In sports, particularly baseball, a strike occurs when a batter swings at and misses the ball, or when the ball passes through the strike zone without being hit. This term is specific to the rules of the game and signifies a failed attempt by the batter. For example, “The pitcher threw three strikes, and the batter was out.”

Financial or Political Refusal: In financial or political terms, a strike may refer to the refusal to participate in certain activities or the withdrawal of services or goods to assert influence or protest. This usage reflects an economic or political tactic. For instance, “Consumers organized a strike by boycotting the company’s products.”

STRIKE as a verb

To Hit or Attack: As a verb, strike means to hit or deliver a blow to something or someone, often with force. It conveys physical action and the intent to cause impact. For example, “He struck the punching bag repeatedly during his workout.”

To Cause an Impact or Occurrence: Strike also means to cause something significant to happen suddenly or forcefully, such as a natural disaster, idea, or inspiration. This can be metaphorical, indicating a major influence or realization. For instance, “A brilliant idea struck her while she was brainstorming.”

To Stop Work in Protest: When used in the context of labor disputes, strike as a verb refers to the action of stopping work in protest. This verb form highlights the act of initiating the protest. For example, “The union members decided to strike after negotiations with management failed.”

To Make a Discovery or Find Something: Strike can also refer to discovering or coming across something valuable, such as a resource or opportunity. This is often used in the context of natural resources or breakthroughs. For instance, “They struck gold while mining in the mountains.”

To Remove or Delete: In certain contexts, particularly in legal or editorial work, to strike means to remove or delete something from a document or record. This usage focuses on erasing or excluding information. For example, “The judge struck the inadmissible evidence from the record.”

Labor Movements and Social Change: Strikes have played a crucial role in labor history, serving as powerful tools for workers to fight for rights and social change. They have often led to significant improvements in working conditions and wages. For example, “The famous general strike of 1926 was a turning point in labor relations in Britain.”

Strikes in Sports and Entertainment: The term strike has broader connotations in sports, entertainment, and politics, symbolizing decisive actions that either win or lose the game. It has metaphorical usage as well, representing opportunities and risks. For instance, “He struck out on his own to pursue his dream of starting a business.”

In conclusion, strike is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, covering a range of meanings from a labor protest to a physical blow. Whether referring to a worker’s protest, a military attack, or a sudden discovery, strike encapsulates impactful and often forceful actions that cause significant change or disruption. Recognizing the various forms of strike helps clarify its importance in different contexts—from labor rights to sports and everyday language.

SUBORDINATE

Read…

DISMISS

Read…

TASK

Read…

STRUGGLE

Read…

Examples of STRIKE in a sentence

STRIKE as a noun in a sentence

• The workers went on a strike to protest against unfair wages and working conditions.
• The strike by the teachers led to school closures across the district.
• During the strike, essential services were disrupted, causing widespread inconvenience.
• The company reached an agreement with the union to end the strike after lengthy negotiations.
• The strike lasted for two weeks before a resolution was finally achieved.
• The workers organized a strike to demand better benefits and job security.
• The strike was supported by many community members who sympathized with the workers’ cause.
• The impact of the strike was felt across various industries, affecting the supply chain.

STRIKE as a verb in a sentence

• The workers decided to strike to address their grievances with management.
• The company tried to strike a deal with the union to avoid a full-blown strike.
• The team’s performance was so impressive that they managed to strike a crucial partnership.
• He aimed to strike a balance between work and personal life to improve his well-being.
• The actor wanted to strike a deal with the producer for a more favorable contract.
• The workers plan to strike if their demands for better wages are not met.
• The film’s director wanted to strike a unique visual style that would set it apart from others.
• During negotiations, they attempted to strike an agreement that would benefit both parties.

Origin of STRIKE

The word strike has its origins in Old English and Proto-Germanic, evolving to describe actions of hitting, attacking, or ceasing work.

• Old English:
  • Strican (to stroke, rub, or move lightly)
  • In Old English, strican referred to the act of moving something lightly or stroking, often related to the movement of hands or tools.
• Proto-Germanic:
  • Strikanan (to stroke, rub, or touch lightly)
  • The Old English strican is derived from Proto-Germanic strikanan, which carried similar meanings of stroking or rubbing. Over time, it also took on the sense of forceful hitting or striking.
• Middle English:
  • Strike (hit, attack, or refuse work)
  • By Middle English, strike had broadened to mean hitting with force, and it also began to be used in the context of ceasing work as a form of protest, a meaning that persists today.

The word strike has evolved from its Old English and Proto-Germanic origins of stroking or rubbing to include broader meanings like hitting, attacking, and stopping work, reflecting its varied usage in modern English.

BIKINI

Read…

AGENCY

Read…

GABBLE

Read…

BETRAY

Read…