Strike at
verb
To try to hurt, harm, or defeat someone or something.
He struck at the mugger with his walking stick.
Often appears as...
- strike at the enemy
- strike at a problem
verb
To affect or threaten to harm or destroy something.
These budget cuts strike at the very heart of our educational system.
Often appears as...
- strike at the heart
- strike at the root
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
verb
To aim to hit or attack something.
He quickly raised his sword and struck at his opponent.
Often appears as...
- strike at a target
- strike at aim
verb
To try to hurt, harm, or defeat someone or something.
He struck at the mugger with his walking stick.
Often appears as...
- strike at the enemy
- strike at a problem
verb
To affect or threaten to harm or destroy something.
These budget cuts strike at the very heart of our educational system.
Often appears as...
- strike at the heart
- strike at the root
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
verb
To aim to hit or attack something.
He quickly raised his sword and struck at his opponent.
Often appears as...
- strike at a target
- strike at aim
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Confrontation
Used when describing a physical attack or motion towards someone or something.
He struck at the intruder with a fierce blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Effort to Solve
Implies an attempt to tackle a challenge or problem, not necessarily physical.
The committee struck at the issue with several meetings.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe an attack on concepts, beliefs or reputations.
The article struck at the politician's credibility.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Confrontation
Used when describing a physical attack or motion towards someone or something.
He struck at the intruder with a fierce blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Effort to Solve
Implies an attempt to tackle a challenge or problem, not necessarily physical.
The committee struck at the issue with several meetings.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe an attack on concepts, beliefs or reputations.
The article struck at the politician's credibility.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Confrontation
Used when describing a physical attack or motion towards someone or something.
He struck at the intruder with a fierce blow.
Pro Tip 2/3Effort to Solve
Implies an attempt to tackle a challenge or problem, not necessarily physical.
The committee struck at the issue with several meetings.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe an attack on concepts, beliefs or reputations.
The article struck at the politician's credibility.
Never forget "Strike at"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension