fight back
Return the blows
Fight back means to resist or retaliate when attacked, criticized, or threatened.
Someone who fights back refuses to accept defeat passively: She fought back against the accusations.
It can describe physical defense, verbal counterattack, or emotional resistance: He fought back tears.
The phrase implies summoning strength in response to adversity.
Remain intact despite pressure
- opposeAct against something
- defendProtect from harm
- stand firmRefuse to retreat
- hold outRefuse to concede
repel · confront · challenge · block · thwart · fend off · hold ground · dig in
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
ambush · raid · sortie · blitz · incursion · salvo · barrage · thrust
Prevail against difficulty
- comebackRecovery after decline
- recoverRegain health or possession
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- endureSuffer through without yielding
survive · strength · determination · grit · tenacity · willpower · healing · rebuild
Defiance of established power
- revoltOrganized resistance to power
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- mutinyRevolt against authority
- insurgenceRevolt against established authority
dissent · protest · disobedience · insubordination · noncompliance · opposition · resistance · stand up
withstand
Remain intact despite pressure
- opposeAct against something
- defendProtect from harm
- stand firmRefuse to retreat
hold out · repel · confront · challenge · block · thwart · fend off · hold ground · dig in · stand your ground
retaliation
Punitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
vengeance · ambush · raid · sortie · blitz · incursion · salvo · barrage · thrust · onslaught
overcome
Prevail against difficulty
endure · survive · strength · determination · grit · tenacity · willpower · healing · rebuild · renewal
rebellion
Defiance of established power
- revoltOrganized resistance to power
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- mutinyRevolt against authority
insurgence · dissent · protest · disobedience · insubordination · noncompliance · opposition · resistance · stand up · speak out
- defendprotect, shield, guard, block, resist
- resistresist, oppose, defy, rebuff, refuse
- Stand Upstand firm, stand ground, make a stand, hold firm, face up to
- assertiveness tipsspeak up, stand firm, be bold, say no, take a stand
- endurancestamina, endure, perseverance, persistence, staying power
- making troublemake waves, stir the pot, raise Cain, kick up a fuss, upset the apple cart
fight backsurrender
Cease resistance, yield
submit · give in · capitulate · give up · yield
back, fight, fighting, fighter, fights, dogfight, fighters, fought back, fighting back