hit

Definitions

1. verb

   To strike someone or something with your hand or an object.

   Examples

   • One boy hit the other.
   • He tried to hit me, but I moved away.
   ≈beat
2. verb

   To touch something hard and suddenly.

   Examples

   • The ball hit the fence.
   • A stone hit the window and broke it.
3. verb

   To knock against something.

   Examples

   • The branch hit against the window in the storm.
   • The waves hit against the rocks all night.
4. verb

   To press a button or key.

   Examples

   • Hit the Enter key to continue.
   • Hit the space bar to pause the video.
5. verb

   In slang, to kill a person on someone else's orders.

   Examples

   • In the movie, the gang boss told them to hit the witness.
   • The gang planned to hit their rival that night.
   ≈bump off
6. verb

   To attack a place, especially from the sea.

   Examples

   • Allied forces planned to hit the beach at dawn.
   • The army hit the island before sunrise.
7. verb

   To have a strong effect on someone.

   Examples

   • This coffee really hits the spot.
   • That song hits differently now.
8. verb

   To reach a target exactly.

   Examples

   • She hit the bullseye on her first try.
   • I hit the jackpot with that ticket.
   ≠miss
9. verb

   To turn lights on or off.

   Examples

   • Someone is here! Hit the lights!
   • Hit the switch on your way out.
10. verb

    To start playing music.

    Examples

    • Hit it, boys!
    • The DJ hit it just as the crowd started cheering.