critical hit

American  

[krit-i-kuhl hit] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈhɪt /

noun

1. a movie, song, or the like that is highly favored by professional critics.

   The two movies they made together were both blockbusters as well as critical hits.

   The song was a critical hit, garnering several nominations and two awards in its category.

2. null (in role-playing games) a particularly successful, damaging blow or move against one’s opponent, usually due to an advantageous roll of the die or dice.

   I had a hard time on the first few levels, with low health from a steady stream of critical hits against me.

   In this game any roll that adds up to 12 is a critical hit and inflicts major damage, regardless of defenses.

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Etymology

Origin of critical hit

First recorded in 1955–60 critical hit for def. 1; 2000–05 critical hit for def. 2

Example Sentences

“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” was a commercial and critical hit when it was published in July.

From Washington Post

It was a critical hit again, just as it had been live.

From New York Times

Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary,” a critical hit that turned her into an Emmy winner, was praised as a show that brought many joy and showed that different generations can work well together.

From Seattle Times

The play, about a working-class man coping with his conflicting feelings for his deceased father, was a critical hit for the National Theater.

From New York Times

Another critical hit, it was her last book.

From Seattle Times