noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Describes a fundamental opposition or clash between two irreconcilable forces, principles, or entities. Often used in abstract or formal contexts.
自由と規律の相克は、社会の永遠のテーマだ。
The conflict between freedom and discipline is an eternal theme of society.
彼の心の中では、理想と現実が相克している。
In his mind, ideals and reality are in conflict.
noun
mutual overcoming cycle; destructive cycle (five elements)
Technical term in Chinese philosophy: the cycle where each of the five elements overcomes another (wood→earth→water→fire→metal→wood). Contrasts with 相生 (mutual generation cycle).
See also: 相生
五行説では、相克と相生の二つの循環がある。
In the theory of the five elements, there are two cycles: mutual overcoming and mutual generation.