hitting
UK[ˈhɪtɪŋ]US[ˈhɪtɪŋ]
v
the present participle or gerund of the verb 'hit', meaning to bring one's hand or a tool or weapon into contact with someone or something quickly and forcefully.
v
(of a moving object or body) coming into contact with another object or person with force.
v
(figuratively) causing something to be affected adversely or to reach a particular state, level, or target.
Etymology
the verb 'hit' originates from old english 'hyttan', which meant to meet with, come upon, or fall in with. its probable source is old norse 'hitta', meaning to light upon, meet with, or hit. both the norse and old english terms likely stem from a proto-germanic root, though its precise form is uncertain. the core sense of making forceful contact has remained remarkably stable from its ancient scandinavian origins into modern english, where it has expanded metaphorically to include achieving targets or experiencing negative events. the '-ing' suffix is the standard present participle and gerund marker from old english '-ende' and '-ing'.
Analysis
the word 'hitting' is a simplex form derived from the verb 'hit' with the addition of the inflectional suffix '-ing'. the root 'hit' is not productively divisible into smaller meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he was punished for hitting his younger brother.
the boxer kept hitting the heavy bag with powerful jabs.
the company is hitting its sales targets ahead of schedule.