1 A2 neutral
To physically strike someone or something using an object.
"He accidentally hit the window with a cricket ball."
inseparable
hit with
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To strike someone or something with an object, or to impose something burdensome on someone suddenly.
In plain English
To physically hit someone using something, OR to suddenly give someone bad news, a fine, or a problem.
What does "hit with" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To impose something difficult or unpleasant on someone suddenly, such as a fine, tax, lawsuit, or bad news.
"The company was hit with a multi-million-dollar fine for violating data protection laws."
“
Apple hit with $2 billion EU fine over music streaming.
— BBC News, headline (March 2024)
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To affect someone suddenly and powerfully with an emotion, idea, or realization.
"When she walked into the empty house, she was hit with an overwhelming sense of loneliness."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike using a specific object — the physical sense is fully transparent.
Actually means
To physically hit someone using something, OR to suddenly give someone bad news, a fine, or a problem.
Usage tip
The figurative sense (e.g., 'hit with a fine,' 'hit with bad news') is very common in journalism and everyday speech. The passive form 'was hit with' is especially frequent. Not the same as 'hit on' (flirting).
Words that pair with "hit with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fine lawsuit news tax penalty bill diagnosis
How to conjugate "hit with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hit with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits with
he/she/it
Past simple
hit with
yesterday
Past participle
hit with
have + pp
-ing form
hitting with
continuous
Hear "hit with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hit with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.