# hit back

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hit-back
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to attack or criticize someone who has attacked or criticized you first.

For teachers: to retaliate against an opponent's physical strike or verbal criticism; often used in political or competitive contexts.

## Examples

- The boxer hit back with a strong right hand.
- After the senator's speech, the president hit back at his critics during a press conference.
- The corporation hit back against the allegations of fraud by releasing a comprehensive audit that contradicted the whistleblower's claims.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He hit back them." but "He hit back at them." — this phrasal verb requires the preposition 'at' or 'against' before the person or thing being attacked.

## Usage notes

- often followed by 'at' or 'against' when specifying the target of the retaliation.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'retaliate' (formal) and 'get back at' (more focused on revenge); 'hit back' is common in news headlines for its punchy, active feel.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.