stricken

[ strik-uhn ]

verb

1. a past participle of strike.

adjective

1. hit or wounded by a weapon, missile, or the like.
2. beset or afflicted, as with disease, trouble, or sorrow:

   stricken areas; a stricken family.

3. deeply affected, as with grief, fear, or other emotions.
4. characterized by or showing the effects of affliction, trouble, misfortune, a mental blow, etc.:

   stricken features.

stricken

/ ˈstrɪkən /

adjective

1. laid low, as by disease or sickness
2. deeply affected, as by grief, love, etc
3. archaic.
   wounded or injured

Derived Forms

• ˈstrickenly, adverb

Other Words From

• stricken·ly adverb
• un·stricken adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stricken¹

First recorded in 1530–40

Word History and Origins

Origin of stricken¹

C14: past participle of strike

Example Sentences

In homes, and in hospitals here, many are stricken by fear.

From BBC

In addition to her work with the human rights center, Mrs. Kennedy co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control, marched in labor demonstrations and led projects that helped restore neighborhoods stricken with poverty.

From Salon

The legendary soprano, stricken by illness, would no longer perform in the title role of Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma" before an esteemed assembly that included the President of Italy.

From Salon

“I don’t get depressed, but I couldn’t move, I was stricken with fear,” Swick said.

From Los Angeles Times

Quayle’s stricken look — a rictus of shock and humiliation — spoke to the devastation of the rejoinder after which, it’s fair to say, his callow image never fully faded.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflicted