strike a chord v 1: create an emotional response; "The music struck a chord with the listeners" 2: refer to or be relevant or familiar to; "I hope this message hits home!" [syn: {hit home}, {strike home}, {strike a note}] 3: evoke a reaction, response, or emotion; "this writer strikes a chord with young women"; "The storyteller touched a chord" [syn: {touch a chord}]