beat back
Force into retreat
Beat back means to repel or drive away through force or resistance.
Defenders beat back an attack; firefighters beat back flames.
The phrase suggests sustained effort against something advancing or threatening: Security forces beat back the protesters.
Figuratively, it applies to overcoming obstacles or setbacks: She beat back her doubts and applied for the job.
Drive back or disgust
- drive awayCause to retreat
- fend offDeflect an advance
- ward offActively prevent approach
- hold offDelay or resist
rebuff · deflect · parry · check · stave off · keep at bay · drive off · chase off
Make stronger against threat
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- guardWatchful defensive attention
- protectKeep from harm
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
hold the line · barricade · secure · fend · stand firm · garrison · entrench · resist
repulse
Drive back or disgust
- drive awayCause to retreat
- fend offDeflect an advance
- ward offActively prevent approach
hold off · rebuff · deflect · parry · check · stave off · keep at bay · drive off · chase off · rout
fortify
Make stronger against threat
safeguard · hold the line · barricade · secure · fend · stand firm · garrison · entrench · resist · dig in
neutralize
Cancel an effect
stem · curb · halt · contain · impede · block · stymie · arrest · counter · reverse
vanquish
Defeat thoroughly in conflict
overpower · crush · quash · suppress · rout · best · outfight · trounce · overwhelm · put down
- resistresist, oppose, defy, rebuff, refuse
- kept at bayrepelled, fended off, warded off, staved off, kept away
beat backadvance
Move or progress forward
push forward · charge · attack · invade · press on
back, beat, beaten, backward, backing, beating, background, backup, backwards