beats back
Forces into retreat
Beats back means to repel or drive away through sustained effort.
An army beats back an attack; firefighters beat back flames.
The phrase suggests defensive action against something advancing or threatening: Protesters were beaten back by riot police.
Figuratively, one might beat back despair or beat back criticism.
- staves offRepels or delays
- fights offActively resists an attacker
- repelDrive off or disgust
- rejectDismiss as unsuitable
- blockSolid mass, or impede
fends off · parry · keeps at bay · counteract · withstand · neutralize · deflect · rebut · repulses · overcome · resist · outmaneuver · retaliate · deny · holds off · undermine · endure · oppose