Phrasal verb
strike off
Definition
phrasal verb. to officially remove a person's name from a professional list so they can no longer do their job. You use this when a doctor or lawyer loses their license for doing something wrong.
phrasal verb. to remove a professional's name from an official register, thereby revoking their legal right to practice. Transitive; typically used in the context of disciplinary action within the medical or legal professions.
Examples
“The doctor was struck off for medical malpractice.”
“After the investigation proved he had stolen from clients, the lawyer was struck off by the bar association.”
“The regulatory body decided to strike off the surgeon following a series of egregious ethical violations that compromised patient safety.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor was struck off for medical malpractice.”
contextual
“After the investigation proved he had stolen from clients, the lawyer was struck off by the bar association.”
complex
“The regulatory body decided to strike off the surgeon following a series of egregious ethical violations that compromised patient safety.”
Usage
often used in the passive voice ('to be struck off') and frequently followed by 'the register'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'fire' or 'dismiss'; 'strike off' is a formal, legal removal of professional status rather than just losing a specific job.
Pitfall
He was striked off the list.
He was struck off the list.
the past participle of 'strike' is 'struck', not 'striked'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
strike + object + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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