strike down
Declare legally void
Strike down means to kill or incapacitate with a sudden blow or affliction: He was struck down by a heart attack at fifty.
In legal contexts, to strike down a law or ruling is to invalidate it: The Supreme Court struck down the statute as unconstitutional.
The phrase carries a sense of decisive, often irreversible action from above—whether divine, medical, or judicial.
Reverse or invalidate
- invalidateMake null or void
- annulDeclare legally void
- voidWithout legal effect
- quashSuppress or nullify
vacate · repeal · rescind · abrogate · nullify · unconstitutional · ruling · statute
Defeat thoroughly in conflict
- conquerOvercome by force
- overcomePrevail against difficulty
- subdueBring under control
- overpowerDefeat by superior force
crush · rout · fell · topple · smite · slay · destroy · devastate
Strike with force
- wrathFierce, punishing anger
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- curseInvoked harm through words
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
vengeance · retribution · punishment · lightning · thunder · almighty · heavens · righteous
Cause persistent distress
- debilitateTo make weak
- incapacitateDeprive of strength or ability
- sickenCause illness or disgust
- weakenReduce in strength
bedridden · hospitalize · collapse · fever · infection · disease · malady · ailment
overturn
Reverse or invalidate
- invalidateMake null or void
- annulDeclare legally void
- voidWithout legal effect
quash · vacate · repeal · rescind · abrogate · nullify · unconstitutional · ruling · statute · injunction
vanquish
Defeat thoroughly in conflict
overpower · crush · rout · fell · topple · smite · slay · destroy · devastate · annihilate
smite
Strike with force
- wrathFierce, punishing anger
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- curseInvoked harm through words
plague · vengeance · retribution · punishment · lightning · thunder · almighty · heavens · righteous · condemn
afflict
Cause persistent distress
- debilitateTo make weak
- incapacitateDeprive of strength or ability
- sickenCause illness or disgust
weaken · bedridden · hospitalize · collapse · fever · infection · disease · malady · ailment · pandemic