Phrase guide

strike a blow

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To hit; to successfully land a hit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • His opponent danced and dodged so nimbly that he couldn’t strike a blow.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To do something to support or defend (for) or to hinder or harm (at / against) something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • The Supreme Court ruling struck a blow for gender equality.
  • It is hoped that the new vaccine will strike a blow against the spread of tuberculosis.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

affect adversely

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The court ruling struck a blow at the old segregation laws

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: affect, impact, bear upon, bear on, touch on, touch

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.