fight back

verbs

defend oneself
fight back
is a type of (narrower)
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
"the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country"
contend, fight, struggle
fight against or resist strongly
"The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!"
defend, fight, fight back, fight down, oppose