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Beat on Meaning in English

expression

ˈbit/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
BEET-ahn or BEET-awn
bˈiːt/ /ˈɒn
BEET-on

Definition

To hit or strike something or someone repeatedly. It can also be used figuratively to mean criticizing or pressuring someone again and again.

Usage & Nuances

'Beat on' is informal and often used for repeated physical action ('beat on the door'), sometimes for sustained criticism ('beat on him for his mistakes'). It is not aggressive fighting, but more of persistent hitting or pressure. Not interchangeable with 'beat up', which means to injure.

Example Sentences

He beat on the door until someone answered.

basic

Please don't beat on the table during dinner.

basic

The rain beat on the roof all night.

basic

The kids were beating on pots and pans to make noise.

natural

She kept beating on him about his messy room.

natural

Don't just beat on the computer when it freezes—restart it.

natural