Pronunciation: [stɹˈa͡ɪk dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The word "strike down" is spelled as /straɪk daʊn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "strike" is pronounced as /straɪk/ with a long "i" sound, followed by a voiced velar plosive "k" and an unstressed schwa sound at the end. The word "down" is pronounced as /daʊn/ with a diphthong "aʊ" sound, followed by a voiced alveolar nasal consonant "n". Together, "strike down" means to abolish or reject a legal decision or law.
Strike down is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The most common definition of strike down refers to the act of invalidating or declaring illegal a law, regulation, or legal decision through official procedures. When a court or judicial authority strikes down a law, it means that they have ruled it as unconstitutional or in violation of the rights protected by the law. This term is often used in the field of constitutional law, where judges have the power to strike down legislation that they deem unlawful or contradictory to constitutional principles.
However, strike down can also have a broader sense, especially when used in everyday language. In this sense, it refers to the act of forcefully or suddenly causing the downfall or defeat of someone or something. This could be applied to a wide range of situations, such as striking down opponents in a debate or argument, striking down an opponent in a sports game, or striking down a business deal or proposal.
Overall, strike down conveys the idea of nullifying or eliminating something through legal or forceful means, be it a law, a decision, or an opponent. Its specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used, either in the legal realm or in a broader sense outside the legal field.
The word "strike" can be traced back to the Old English word "strīcan", which means "to hit" or "to smite". This word is also related to German "streichen" and Dutch "streken". The addition of "down" in the phrase "strike down" emphasizes the forceful action of striking and suggests causing something or someone to fall or be brought down.
