The modern verb 'strike' has a complex semantic history rooted in its Proto-Germanic ancestor strīkaną, meaning "to stroke, rub, move." This sense of smooth, linear motion evolved in Old English into meanings ranging from "to proceed" to "to smooth by rubbing." The crucial shift to the meaning "to hit" occurred in Middle English, likely influenced by the notion of a swift, decisive movement, as in striking a blow. This semantic development from gentle motion to forceful impact illustrates a common pattern where a verb of general action becomes specialized. The labor-related meaning, "to refuse to work," emerged in the 18th century, metaphorically extending from the idea of "downing tools" or ceasing the action of work.

The word is a simplex form. It originates from the Old English verb 'strīcan', meaning "to go, move, proceed, rub lightly, stroke." Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.