rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhitPhysical impact
verb / noun

hit

HIT/hɪt/

To strike or come into forceful contact with a target.

A woman hits a heavy bag with a forceful punch.

A woman lands a forceful boxing punch on a suspended heavy bag, with her glove visibly compressing its surface and the bag displaced by the impact.
Etymology
hitOld Englishcome upon, meet with

Old English hittan meant “come upon” or “meet with.” The forceful sense developed through the idea of reaching someone or something with a blow or missile.

In context

Houston Symphony1:22
If you strike off of the spot, it's going to either sound dead or you might hit the rim of the drum.
Leonardo Soto, principal timpani, on Fischer's Symphony with Eight Obbligato Timpani

More examples

  • The ball hit the window and cracked the glass.
  • I keep hitting my knee on the low table.
  • The helmet protects his head from direct hits.

Forms

hit · hits · hitting

hitter noun — Someone who strikes, especially a baseball batter.

Similar words

strike
Often suggests a deliberate blow rather than accidental contact.
punch
Specifically means to hit with a closed fist.
collide
Emphasizes objects crashing together rather than someone delivering a blow.