Question

Based on the dictionary entry, what is the meaning of the word struck in this sentence?

The earthquake that struck California measured 3.5 on the Richter scale.

strike (stryk) v.

to hit forcibly and intentionally with one's hand or a weapon or other objectto occur unexpectedly and have destructive or harmful effects

strike (stryk) n.

a refusal to work planned by a group of employees as a form of protesta sudden attack, mostly a military one

Answer 1

it would be the first option, as strike here is acting as a verb

Answer 2

The correct answer is the second option - to occur unexpectedly and have destructive or harmful effects.
Here, the word struck is just a past form of the verb to strike, meaning to happen unexpectedly and have dire consequences, like an earthquake can hit California, in this case. The final definition is a noun, and does not fit in the context of the original sentence.