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."
inseparable
beat on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To hit someone or something repeatedly; to bully or target someone physically.
In plain English
To keep hitting someone or something again and again.
What does "beat on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike a surface or person repeatedly.
Actually means
To keep hitting someone or something again and again.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "beat on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door drum someone kid chest table
How to conjugate "beat on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "beat on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "beat on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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