Strike at Definition 1 of 3Pro 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.