The phrasal verb "hit out at" is predominantly used in informal contexts, often appearing in journalistic writing, public speeches, or conversations where someone is expressing strong criticism or attacking someone verbally. It is typically used when a person, often a public figure such as a politician or a celebrity, responds to criticism or accusations by counterattacking or defending themselves vehemently. The phrase suggests a level of aggression or intensity in the response, indicating not just a mild rebuttal but rather a significant denunciation or condemnation of the subject's target. While it can sometimes be observed in formal speech, especially where dramatic emphasis is required, its informality and vividness make it particularly popular in media headlines and political rhetoric. Its use implies that the speaker feels a level of injustice or is defending a position strongly against perceived attacks.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To criticize or attack someone or something strongly.
The politician hit out at his opponents during the debate.
She hit out at the injustice of the system in her speech.
The CEO hit out at the media for misreporting the facts.
Activists hit out at the new laws, calling them unfair.
He hit out at critics who doubted his capabilities.