Phrase guide

beat on

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To talk at length; to go on and on; to rant or expound.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, intransitive

Examples

  • She's beating on about poor service.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To criticize, impugn or shed a bad light on (a group or topic) for political gain.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • She's unpopular enough that photos of her are used in elections to beat on liberal candidates.
  • You guys are always beating on immigration, but it won't win you this election.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.