strike back
B1 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To hit back or do something harmful in return after someone has hurt or attacked you.
Literal meaning: To strike (hit) in the reverse direction — the 'back' indicates return action.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To respond to a physical attack with a physical counter-attack.
"When the bully pushed him, he finally struck back and the fight began."
"The Empire Strikes Back."
— Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, film title, 1980
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To respond strongly to criticism, accusations, or a competitive challenge.
"The minister struck back at her critics in a televised press conference."
Usage notes
Used for physical confrontations, verbal arguments, military actions, and competitive sports. Very common in news headlines. Also famously used in the 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' title.
Commonly used with
enemy attacker critic forces army accusations
Forms
Base
strike back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strikes back
he/she/it
Past simple
striked back
yesterday
Past participle
striked back
have + pp
-ing form
striking back
continuous
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Synonyms
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