Definition

Verb (transitive or intransitive) 1. To begin or initiate something, especially a conversation, relationship, or piece of music. * It often implies a spontaneous or informal start. * When referring to music, it means for a band or musician to begin playing.

Usage

• The verb is commonly followed by the preposition "with" when specifying the other party in a conversation or friendship (e.g., strike up a conversation a stranger).
• It can be used with objects like "conversation," "friendship," "relationship," "tune," "song," or "music."
• The phrasal verb itself means "to begin." Do not confuse it with the separate verb "strike" meaning to hit.

Examples

• Strike up a conversation: It's easy to strike up a conversation with her at a party.
• Strike up a friendship: They struck up a friendship during their first year at university.
• Strike up (music): The band struck up a lively polka as the couple entered the hall.
• Strike up with someone: He struck up with an interesting fellow traveler on the train.

Advanced Usage

• "to strike up the band": A classic idiom meaning to signal the band to begin playing.
  • The conductor raised his baton to strike up the band.

Variants and Related Words

• Strike (verb): A separate word with many meanings, primarily to hit. The phrase "strike up" is a distinct phrasal verb.
• Strike-up (noun): A rare, informal noun meaning the beginning of something, especially a musical piece.
  • The strike-up of the national anthem silenced the crowd.

Synonyms

• Begin: To start.
• Initiate: To cause something to begin.
• Commence: A more formal word for begin.
• Start up: To begin operation or activity.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Strike out: To start on a journey or new venture; to fail.
  • He struck out on his own to start a business.
• Strike down: To render ineffective (e.g., a law); to kill or incapacitate.
  • The court struck down the old regulation.

Related Idioms

• Strike while the iron is hot: To act at the most opportune moment.
  • You should ask for a raise now; strike while the iron is hot.
• Strike a chord: To cause an emotional response or sense of recognition.
  • Her speech about community struck a chord with the audience.

Verb

1. begin
   • strike up a conversation
   • strike up a friendship
2. start playing
   • The musicians struck up a tune