The spelling of the phrasal verb "strike off" can be confusing due to its various meanings. In British English, when it means to remove from a list, it is spelled as /straɪk ɒf/ with the stress on the second syllable. However, when it means to write or print something quickly or hastily, it is spelled as /straɪk ɒv/ with the stress on the first syllable. In American English, the verb is spelled as "strike out" and is pronounced as /straɪk aʊt/ with the stress on the second syllable.
Strike off means to remove someone or something from a list, register, or roll, officially canceling their membership, authorization, or approval. This term is commonly used in various contexts and can refer to different situations. For example, in the legal field, strike off typically refers to the removal of a person's name from the roll of solicitors, barristers, or legal practitioners due to professional misconduct, incompetence, or disciplinary action by a regulatory body.
In relation to business, strike off often involves the removal of a company's name from the official register, signaling its dissolution or closure. This can occur if a company has ceased trading, become insolvent, or failed to submit required documentation and annual accounts. Once struck off, a company no longer legally exists, and its assets may be deemed abandoned or transferred to the state.
Strike off can also be used to describe the removal of an individual's or entity's authorization or approval. For instance, in the medical field, a doctor's name may be struck off the register due to malpractice or unethical behavior, prohibiting them from practicing medicine. Similarly, a professional organization may strike off a member for violating ethical codes or committing fraudulent acts.
Overall, strike off refers to the act of erasing someone or something from a register, list, or roll, officially revoking their status or approval.
The term "strike off" is derived from the word "strike", which has its roots in Old English "strīcan" meaning "to smite, to hit". Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings, including "to remove by force" or "to remove from a list or record".
In the context of "strike off", the word "strike" refers to the action of removing or omitting something (such as a name) from a list or record. It can be found in legal or administrative contexts, where it denotes the act of erasing or canceling someone's registration, name, or entry.