beat on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To keep hitting someone or something again and again.
Literal meaning: To strike a surface or person repeatedly.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To hit a person repeatedly, especially in a bullying or aggressive manner.
"The older kids kept beating on the younger boy after school."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To strike a surface such as a door or drum repeatedly and loudly.
"He beat on the door with both fists, desperate to be let in."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
More common in American English. Can describe physical beating or, in a softer sense, relentlessly criticising someone. The phrase 'beat on the door' (to knock loudly) is a distinct, literal use.
Commonly used with
door drum someone kid chest table
Forms
Base
beat on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beats on
he/she/it
Past simple
beat on
yesterday
Past participle
beaten on
have + pp
-ing form
beating on
continuous
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