What Does “Strike sb down” Mean?
“Strike sb down” means to hit someone forcefully or to cause someone to suddenly lose power or status.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “strike sb down” has two main uses. First, it can mean to physically hit someone with great force, often causing them to fall. Second, it can be used more figuratively to describe the sudden removal or defeat of someone, especially in legal or official contexts. Understanding the strike sb down meaning helps you use it correctly in various situations, from everyday speech to formal discussions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: strike sb down (strike somebody down)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To hit someone hard or to remove someone suddenly from power or position
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Strike sb down” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it always takes an object (someone).
It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between “strike” and “down.”
Correct pattern: strike + somebody + down
Incorrect pattern: strike down + somebody
How to Use Strike sb down?
Use “strike sb down” when talking about physically hitting someone strongly or when referring to a sudden defeat or removal from power. It is often used in news reports, stories, or formal language about laws or rules being invalidated.
Example contexts include: a boxer striking an opponent down, a court striking down a law, or a leader being struck down politically.
Examples
When the boxer landed a powerful punch, he struck his opponent down instantly.
- The judge struck down the unfair law after careful review.
- During the battle, many soldiers were struck down by the enemy.
- The company was struck down by the new regulations.
- The hero struck down the villain with a swift blow.
- The government’s proposal was struck down by the parliament.
Strike sb down in a sentence: “The new policy was struck down by the court as unconstitutional.”
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the position of the object or use the verb incorrectly.
- Incorrect: “The law was struck down it by the court.”
- Correct: “The court struck the law down.”
- Incorrect: “They struck down the man.”
- Correct: “They struck the man down.”
Remember, “strike sb down” is inseparable, so the object must come between “strike” and “down.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Knock sb down: Usually means to physically hit someone so they fall; less formal than “strike sb down.”
- Take sb down: Can mean to defeat or remove someone, often in a physical or competitive context.
- Strike down: Without an object, this phrase often refers to laws or rules being invalidated.
Difference: “Strike sb down” focuses on the action toward a person, physically or figuratively, while “strike down” alone is often about laws or decisions.
Common Collocations
You will often see “strike sb down” with these objects:
- Opponent: The person you are competing or fighting against.
- Enemy: Someone hostile or against you.
- Law: Rules or regulations that can be invalidated.
- Proposal: A plan or suggestion that can be rejected.
- Soldier: A person fighting in a war or battle.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of strike sb down:
Real-life Dialogue
At a boxing match:
Coach: “Watch out! He can strike you down with one punch.”
Boxer: “I’m ready. I won’t let him strike me down.”
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “strike sb down”:
- The court __________ the new law because it was unfair.
- The warrior __________ his enemy __________ with a single blow.
- Many soldiers were __________ during the battle.
FAQ
- Q: Is “strike sb down” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable. The object must come between “strike” and “down.”
- Q: Can “strike sb down” be used figuratively?
A: Yes, it often refers to removing laws or people from power suddenly.
- Q: What level is “strike sb down” suitable for?
A: It is best for intermediate learners (B2 level).
- Q: Can I use “strike down” without an object?
A: Yes, but it usually refers to laws or rules being invalidated.
- Q: What is a synonym for “strike sb down”?
A: “Knock sb down” or “take sb down,” depending on context.
