Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - hit back

1. If you hit back when someone hits you, or hit them back, you hit them in return. Some violent men beat up their sons, until the boys are strong enough to hit back... If somebody hit me, I’d hit him back. PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P 2. If you hit back at someone who has criticized or harmed you, you criticize or harm them in return. (JOURNALISM) The President has hit back at those who have criticised his economic reforms... British Rail immediately hit back with their own cheap fares scheme. = strike back PHRASAL VERB: V P at n, V P