# strike back

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strike-back
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to attack someone who has attacked you first, or to take action against someone who has treated you badly.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.