Get back at

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɛt ˈbæk ˈæt/

Get back at (verb)

  1. To hurt or punish someone because they hurt you, usually after a disagreement or unfair treatment.
  2. To respond to an action by doing something that balances it, often to show you will not be ignored.

Examples

  • She wanted to get back at him for the insult.
  • They planned to get back at the person who hurt them.