strike out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To lash out; to strike or hit at someone or something, particularly something in arm's length of the striker and at or near the level of the striker's head.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The gallant old skipper had struck out with his fist and the blow took effect; "spread the chap's nose all ower his fyesce" as he afterwards said ...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To strongly criticize or make a verbal attack, particularly as a response to previous criticism or provocation.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To draw a line through some text such as a printed or written sentence, with the purpose of deleting that text from the rest of the document.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “strike out” mean?

To lash out; to strike or hit at someone or something, particularly something in arm's length of the striker and at or near the level of the striker's head.

Is “strike out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.