Hit back on item at back (10)

I believe the answer is:

retaliated

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'hit back' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, adjectives and past participle verbs occasionally define each other.

'on item at back' is the wordplay.
'on' becomes 're' (regarding).
'item' becomes 'detail' (synonyms).
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'detail'+'at'='detailat'
'detailat' backwards is 'taliated'.
're'+'taliated'='RETALIATED'

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I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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