Phrasal verb
strike back
Definition
phrasal verb. to attack someone who has attacked you first, or to take action against someone who has treated you badly.
phrasal verb. to retaliate against an initial attack or criticism. The verb is intransitive and emphasizes a reactive strike intended to restore balance or defend one's position.
Examples
“The army is preparing to strike back against the invaders.”
“After the company lowered its prices, the smaller competitor decided to strike back with a new advertising campaign.”
“The empire, having suffered a humiliating defeat at the border, gathered its remaining forces to strike back at the heart of the rebellion.”
Examples
simple
“The army is preparing to strike back against the invaders.”
contextual
“After the company lowered its prices, the smaller competitor decided to strike back with a new advertising campaign.”
complex
“The empire, having suffered a humiliating defeat at the border, gathered its remaining forces to strike back at the heart of the rebellion.”
Usage
often used with the preposition 'at' or 'against' to indicate the target of the retaliation.
Teaching tip
use the Star Wars title 'The Empire Strikes Back' as a cultural anchor to help students remember the meaning of retaliation.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
strike + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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