Definition

Verb: * To retaliate or respond to an attack, criticism, or provocation with a similar or equivalent action. It implies a defensive or reactive counter-move.

Usage

The verb "strike back" is used to describe the act of counter-attacking or responding forcefully to an aggressor or critic. It is often used in contexts of conflict, competition, or debate. * It is typically followed by the preposition "at" to specify the target of the retaliation (e.g., strike back at the enemy). * It can also be used without a prepositional phrase when the target is clear from context.

Examples

• After days of negative press, the company's CEO finally struck back at the misleading reports.
• The boxer absorbed several punches before finding an opening to strike back.
• When the new policy was criticized, the government struck back with a strong public defense.
• The home team conceded an early goal but managed to strike back before halftime.

Advanced Usage

• "strike back against [something/someone]": This phrasing emphasizes the retaliatory action is directed a specific force, injustice, or opponent.
  • The rebels vowed to strike back against the oppressive regime.
• The phrase can be used figuratively, not just for physical conflict.
  • Nature often strikes back when its balance is disrupted.

Variants and Related Words

• Retaliate (verb): To return an injury or wrong. Often more formal.
• Counterattack (verb/noun): A military term for an attack made in response to an enemy's attack.
• Fight back (phrasal verb): To defend oneself by fighting or resisting.
• Hit back (phrasal verb): A more informal synonym for "strike back."

Synonyms

Retaliate, counterattack, fight back, hit back, reciprocate, respond in kind.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fight back: To resist an attack or struggle against a difficult situation.
  • She fought back tears during the speech.
• Hit back (at): Essentially identical in meaning to "strike back (at)," but slightly more informal.
  • The politician hit back at her critics during the interview.

Related Idioms

• "An eye for an eye": This proverb describes the principle of retaliation that "strike back" often embodies.
• "Give as good as you get": To respond to attacks or criticism with equal force or skill.

Verb

1. make a counterattack and return like for like, especially evil for evil
   • The Empire strikes back
   • The Giants struck back and won the opener
   • The Israeli army retaliated for the Hamas bombing