hit out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral, mainly in journalism, commentary, and political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “hit out” mean?
To criticize or attack someone or something verbally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To criticize or attack someone or something verbally.
To make a forceful, aggressive physical swing (as in boxing or tennis).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use it identically in the figurative sense. The physical sports sense is slightly more common in British sports journalism.
Connotations
Conveys a sudden, sharp, and often public attack. Not typically used for calm, reasoned criticism.
Frequency
More frequent in UK newspapers; common in both varieties in political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hit out” in a Sentence
VERB + PARTICLE + (at + NOUN PHRASE)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hit out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The backbencher hit out at the party's new stance on taxation.
- He hit out angrily at what he called 'biased reporting'.
American English
- The senator hit out at the proposed budget cuts during the hearing.
- Activists hit out at the corporation's environmental record.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The CEO hit out at regulators for stifling innovation."
Academic
Rare. Might be used in political science analyses: "The opposition leader consistently hit out at the administration's foreign policy."
Everyday
Less common in casual speech. More typical in news discussions: "Did you see the minister hit out at the media yesterday?"
Technical
In sports commentary: "The boxer hit out wildly in the final round."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hit out”
- Omitting the required preposition 'at' (e.g., *'He hit out the government'*).
- Using it for mild disagreement instead of strong public criticism.
- Confusing it with 'hit it out' (colloquial: to get along well).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its primary meaning of 'criticize/attack', yes, 'at' is required to introduce the target. The physical sports sense can sometimes stand alone (e.g., 'He hit out in desperation').
No, it is exclusively negative, meaning to attack or criticize. For positive support, use phrases like 'speak up for' or 'defend'.
It is more characteristic of written journalism, formal reports, and political oratory. It is less common in casual, everyday conversation.
'Hit out at' implies a stronger, more emotional, and often public attack. 'Criticize' is a broader, more neutral term that can range from mild to severe criticism.
To criticize or attack someone or something verbally.
Hit out is usually formal to neutral, mainly in journalism, commentary, and political discourse. in register.
Hit out: in British English it is pronounced /hɪt aʊt (ət)/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪt aʊt (æt)/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit out in all directions (to criticize many targets indiscriminately)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a boxer HITTING OUT with a punch. The verbal meaning is just a metaphorical punch directed at someone's reputation or ideas.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS PHYSICAL VIOLENCE / ARGUMENT IS WAR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hit out at' LEAST appropriate?