Struck vs. Stricken
“Struck” is the normal simple-past and past-participle form of “strike.” “Stricken” survives in a narrower participial/adjectival sense for someone or something severely affected by harm, illness, disaster, or a similar condition.
Use “struck” as the normal past tense and past participle of “strike.” Use “stricken” only in the restricted sense of being afflicted or severely affected.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Sentence need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary simple past or past participle of strike | struck | Cambridge gives “struck” as the normal past simple and past participle. |
| restricted participle meaning afflicted by sudden harm, damage, or injury | stricken | Cambridge records “stricken” as a past participle in this restricted harm/affliction sense. |
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “struck” as the ordinary past tense and past participle of “strike.” Use “stricken” only in the documented restricted participial sense of being badly affected or afflicted.
Fast Test
If you simply need the past tense or ordinary participle of “strike,” choose “struck.” If the meaning is “afflicted or severely affected,” “stricken” may be the intended form.
Sense Boundary
Do not treat “stricken” as a free alternative to “struck.” Cambridge separately records “stricken” for a restricted cause-harm sense, and also as an adjective meaning severely affected.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- STRIKE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for strike / struck and the restricted stricken past-participle sense