Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - hit out

1. If you hit out at someone, you try to hit them, although you may miss them. (mainly BRIT) I used to hit out at my husband and throw things at him... I had never punched anybody in my life but I hit out and gave him a black eye. = lash out PHRASAL VERB: V P at n, V P 2. If you hit out at someone or something, you criticize them strongly because you do not agree with them. (JOURNALISM) The President took the opportunity to hit out at what he sees as foreign interference... Brazilian soccer boss Carlos Parreira hit out angrily last night after his side were barred from training at Wembley. = lash out PHRASAL VERB: V P at/against n, V P