What are the definitions of “strike down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Kill.
A hitman STRUCK him DOWN as he entered the building. ( This verb is often used in the passive- He was struck down as he entered the building. )
- 2Make someone ill.
I was STRUCK DOWN with food poisoning. ( This verb is mostly used in the passive. )
- 3Disallow a law, decision, etc.
The Appeal Court STRUCK DOWN the lower court's ruling.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “strike down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb strike down is to disallow a law, decision, or ruling. It is often used in legal contexts when a higher court disagrees with a lower court's decision and cancels it.
What are the different verb forms of “strike down”?
| Root Verb | strike down |
| Third Person Singular Present | strikes down |
| Present Participle | striking down |
| Simple Past | struck down |
| Past Participle | struck down |
Example
The judge decided to strike down the previous ruling.
Example
The court strikes down laws that are unconstitutional.
Example
The Supreme Court is striking down the controversial law.
Example
The higher court struck down the lower court's decision.
Example
The law was struck down by the Supreme Court.
What kind of phrasal verb is “strike down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“strike down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The court struck down the law.
Example
The illness struck her down quickly.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“strike down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The court struck down the law.
Example
The illness struck her down quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “strike down”?
Good things to know
Does “strike down” have an informal or formal tone?
Strike down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In legal settings, it is often used to describe the process of invalidating a law or decision. In other contexts, such as discussing illness or violence, it can be used in everyday conversations.
