definitions

strikebreaker

[ strahyk-brey-ker ]
/ ˈstraɪkˌbreɪ kər /
|

noun

a person who takes part in breaking up a strike of workers, either by working or by furnishing workers.

Nearby words

strike up, strike while the iron is hot, strike zone, strike-slip fault, strikebound, strikebreaker, strikebreaking, strikeout, strikeover, striker, striking

Origin of strikebreaker

First recorded in 1900–05; strike + breaker1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for strikebreaker

  • “Strikebreaker,” they groaned, impressed by the wonderful dexterity of the stenographer.

    The Triumph of Virginia Dale|John Francis, Jr.

  • This witness had acted as a strikebreaker up until the time he was subpoenaed.

    The Everett massacre|Walker C. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for strikebreaker

strikebreaker

/ (ˈstraɪkˌbreɪkə) /

noun

a person who tries to make a strike ineffectual by working or by taking the place of those on strike

Derived Forms

strikebreaking, noun, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Culture definitions for strikebreaker

strikebreaker

An employee hired to replace a striking worker. (See scab.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.