Phrasal verb
fight back
Meanings
to defend yourself by using force against an attacker
to respond strongly to criticism, pressure, or unfair treatment
to recover and make progress again after a difficult period
Definition
To fight back means to resist or respond to an attack, criticism, or difficulty instead of giving up.
To fight back is to respond with force, effort, or determination when someone or something hurts or threatens you. It can mean physically defending yourself or answering criticism strongly. It is also used for making a strong recovery after problems or setbacks.
Examples
- I refused to stay silent, so I fought back when the rumors spread.
- She fought back when someone tried to snatch her bag.
- They fought back in the second half and nearly won the match.
- He fought back against the unfair comments during the debate.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "fight back" with "fight back against" and forget to include "against" before the opponent or problem.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.