Wiktionary
vb. 1 (context transitive idiomatic English) To start something with somebody else, such as a conversation or relationship. 2 (context intransitive idiomatic English) To start something, usually playing live music. 3 To raise (as sheet metal), in making dishes, pans, etc., by blows or pressure in a die.
WordNet
v. start playing; "The musicians struck up a tune" [syn: sound off]
begin; "strike up a conversation"; "strike up a friendship"
Usage examples of "strike up".
When they strike up their music as sign that they are about to give battle it would seem as if the heavens must fall.
I heard the King of Sicily's eight chanters strike up the first verse of High Mass at seven o'clock in the Sainte-Chapelle.
Who would have ever thought she would strike up a friendship with a mutant?
At first various ship's officers tried to strike up conversations, for he'd become more a celebrity than he'd realized, and they were eager to question him about the war.