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."
inseparable
hit back
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To respond to an attack or criticism with an equally strong counter-attack or response.
In plain English
To respond strongly to someone who attacked or criticised you.
What does "hit back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hit someone or something back — to return a physical blow.
Actually means
To respond strongly to someone who attacked or criticised you.
Usage tip
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).
Words that pair with "hit back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
critics allegations accusations rival media attack
How to conjugate "hit back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hit back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hit back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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