hit back
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To respond strongly to someone who attacked or criticised you.
Literal meaning: To hit someone or something back — to return a physical blow.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To retaliate physically in response to being hit or attacked.
"He was cornered, so he hit back as hard as he could and managed to escape."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To respond sharply and forcefully to criticism, accusations, or an attack, especially in words.
"The prime minister hit back at opposition claims that the economy was in crisis."
"Trump hits back at critics of his proposed tariffs."
— BBC News headline, 2018
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in news headlines to describe responses to political or personal attacks. Can be used for physical retaliation or, more commonly, for sharp verbal or written responses. Often followed by 'at' (hit back at critics).
Commonly used with
critics allegations accusations rival media attack
Forms
Base
hit back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits back
he/she/it
Past simple
hit back
yesterday
Past participle
hit back
have + pp
-ing form
hitting back
continuous
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