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strike off

B2 neutral separable transitive

To remove someone's name from an official register as a punishment, or to cross an item off a list.

In plain English

To remove someone officially from a professional list as a punishment, or to cross something out on a list.

What does "strike off" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic formal

(Chiefly British) To officially remove a professional from the register that allows them to practice, as a disciplinary measure.

"The doctor was struck off after the investigation confirmed the allegations against him."

separable
2 B1 neutral

To draw a line through or remove an item from a list.

"Strike off the names of anyone who has already confirmed their attendance."

separable
3 C1 idiomatic neutral

To begin moving in a particular direction with purpose.

"They struck off down the path as soon as the rain stopped."

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To strike (mark or remove) something off a list — largely transparent.

Actually means

To remove someone officially from a professional list as a punishment, or to cross something out on a list.

Usage tip

The professional disqualification sense is common in British English, particularly regarding doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals. Saying a doctor was 'struck off' means they lost their medical license.

Words that pair with "strike off"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

doctor lawyer register list name roll record

How to conjugate "strike off"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
strike off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strikes off
he/she/it
Past simple
striked off
yesterday
Past participle
striked off
have + pp
-ing form
striking off
continuous

Hear "strike off" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "strike off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "strike off"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

cross off debar disqualify drum out expel remove

Keep exploring

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