# strike off

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strike-off
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was striked off the list." but "He was struck off the list." — the past participle of 'strike' is 'struck', not 'striked'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.