fighting back
Refusing to yield
Fighting back is resisting or retaliating against someone or something that threatens, attacks, or oppresses you.
The phrase implies standing your ground rather than submitting: She's fighting back against the accusations, The team fought back from a 20-point deficit.
It can describe physical resistance, emotional resilience, or any effort to reverse a disadvantage.
Offensive response to aggression
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- reprisalPunitive action in return
vengeance · counterstrike · getting even · tit-for-tat · counterpunch · reciprocation · settling scores
Oppose or refuse compliance
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- repelDrive off or disgust
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- deflectTurn from course
parry · shield · protect · safeguard · fortify · fend off · ward off · hold ground
Recovery after decline
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- overcomingDefeating a challenge
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
healing · bounceback · rebound · determination · grit · tenacity · fortitude · endurance
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- revoltOrganized resistance to power
dissent · insurgence · mutiny · disobedience · insubordination · noncompliance · opposition · defiant
counterattack
Offensive response to aggression
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
reprisal · vengeance · counterstrike · getting even · tit-for-tat · counterpunch · reciprocation · settling scores
resist
Oppose or refuse compliance
deflect · parry · shield · protect · safeguard · fortify · fend off · ward off · hold ground · stand firm
comeback
Recovery after decline
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- overcomingDefeating a challenge
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
survival · healing · bounceback · rebound · determination · grit · tenacity · fortitude · endurance · persistence
rebellion
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
revolt · dissent · insurgence · mutiny · disobedience · insubordination · noncompliance · opposition · defiant · recalcitrance
- defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
- standing upstanding up, standing ground, speaking out, speaking truth, voicing
- adversitystruggle, hardship, challenge, obstacle, difficulty
- close callsclose call, near miss, narrow escape, close shave, nick of time
- heroismbravery, valor, hero, courage, heroism
- steadfastnesssteadfastness, firmness, resolve, steadfast, unwavering
fighting backsurrendering
Ceasing to resist
giving up · capitulating · submitting · yielding · giving in
fighting backletting it go
forgiving · forbearing · suffering in silence · enduring · non-resistance
fighting backbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
retreating · withdrawing · fleeing · running away · cowering
back, fight, fighting, fighter, fights, fought, fighters, fought back, infighting